It's a beloved brand in the dairy case, but a new warning suggests contamination with bacteria related to E. coli.
A Major Brand Just Recalled 1,000 Pounds of Butter in 7 States
Published on Apr. 09, 2025
Editor’s Note: On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, a representative for Cabot Creamery contacted our editorial team with an update clarifying details about this recall. More information is available here.
We tell you olive oil and omega-3 fats are healthier, and they are…but sometimes you just need that buttery goodness, and real better is arguably a better health choice than processed margarine with oils and other questionable ingredients.
One major dairy maker that’s recognizable in the US has just issued a warning on 1,701 pounds of butter. A Wednesday report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says Cabot Creamery has recalled eight-ounce packages of Extra Creamy Premium Butter and Sea Salted butter.
The reason for the recall, “Product contaminated with elevated levels of coliform,” certainly sounds concerning, as the presence of coliform bacteria can be considered an indicator of fecal contamination, according to the research website Science Direct.
But it’s also helpful to know that “Most coliform bacteria are not associated with foodborne illnesses,” says Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “However, there are coliforms that do cause illness, most of which are strains of E. coli.” Late last year, both carrots and onions connected to McDonald’s were recalled for E. coli reasons.
The FDA’s website indicates the recall, which was seemingly first initiated on March 26 but wasn’t publicly announced until Tuesday, April 8, has been given a Class III label, meaning the product has been deemed by the agency as “unlikely to cause health problems but fail to comply with FDA labeling or manufacturing regulations.”
The butter was distributed in the following seven states: Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Arkansas.
The product details include:
- Cabot Creamery 8 oz Extra Creamy Premium Butter, Sea Salted
- Packaged as (2) 4 oz sticks in cardboard shells
- UPC: 0 78354 62038 0
- Best By: 09/09/25
- Lot: 090925-055
- Item #: 2038
- 189 total cases recalled (1,701 lbs.)
The recalling firm, AGRI-MARK INC of Waitsfield, VT, describes itself as “The Northeast’s Premier Dairy Farmer Cooperative” in its website.
A brief online search suggests this Cabot butter is sold at Walmart and Publix grocery stores, along with other retail locations. It’s not clear exactly to which retailers this recalled Cabot product was distributed.
While the FDA does not provide further details for what you should do if you have the recalled butter in your fridge, it’s wise not to consume it and instead attempt returning it to your place of purchase and show them the FDA’s link above. Common symptoms of foodborne illnesses, which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:
