What's happened
Cabot Creamery is recalling 189 cases of its Extra Creamy Premium Butter due to elevated levels of coliform bacteria. The recall affects several states, including Vermont and New York, and was initiated after testing revealed contamination. No illnesses have been reported, and the FDA classified the recall as Class III, indicating low health risk.
What's behind the headline?
Health Implications
- Coliform bacteria are commonly found in the environment and can indicate potential contamination.
- While not all strains are harmful, their presence raises concerns about possible pathogens, including E. coli.
Consumer Guidance
- Consumers are advised to return the product or dispose of it safely.
- The recall highlights the importance of food safety monitoring in dairy production.
Industry Response
- Agri-Mark, Cabot's parent company, has stated its commitment to food safety and has successfully recovered most of the affected product before it reached consumers.
- The FDA's classification of the recall as Class III suggests that while the risk is low, vigilance is necessary in food safety practices.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Cabot Creamery is recalling 189 cases of its Extra Creamy Premium Butter due to elevated levels of coliform bacteria, which can indicate unsanitary conditions. The FDA has classified this recall as Class III, meaning the health risk is relatively low. In contrast, the NY Post emphasizes the potential for harmful pathogens, noting that while coliform bacteria are common, their presence in food products raises significant concerns about food safety. Both sources agree on the importance of consumer awareness and the need for proper disposal of the affected products.
How we got here
The recall was announced following finished-product testing that detected coliform bacteria, which can indicate unsanitary conditions. The affected butter was distributed across seven states, with only a small number sold at retail outlets.
Go deeper
- What should I do if I have the recalled butter?
- How can I check if my product is affected?
- What are coliform bacteria and why are they a concern?
More on these topics
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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The Cabot Creamery Co-operative is an American dairy agricultural marketing cooperative, which is owned by more than 800 local dairy farmers in New England and upstate New York, and Agri-Mark Family Dairy Farms, Incorporated.