Recall Issued for Cabot Creamery Butter Due to Bacterial Contamination

Agri-Mark Inc., a dairy company based in Waitsfield, Vermont, has initiated a recall of over 1,700 pounds of its Cabot Creamery butter due to potential contamination with coliform bacteria, which are typically associated with fecal matter. The affected product includes 189 cases of 8-ounce premium butter made with sea salt and has been distributed across several states, including Arkansas, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

The recall was officially announced on March 26 and remains active as the company continues to address the issue. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this recall as a Class III, indicating that it is unlikely to pose any health risks to consumers, although the presence of coliform bacteria could suggest the possible presence of harmful pathogens.

Consumers are advised not to consume or utilize the recalled butter, which has a best-by date of September 9 and is identified by lot number 090925-055, item number 2038. According to Agri-Mark, the company has successfully recovered approximately 99.5% of the potentially contaminated product prior to its sale, noting that only 17 packages reached consumers in Vermont.

Coliform bacteria are commonly found in the environment and are present in the feces of warm-blooded animals and humans. While these bacteria do not typically cause illness, their detection can indicate the presence of harmful microorganisms.

Agri-Mark has stated that it is taking appropriate internal measures to investigate and resolve the cause of the contamination, reaffirming its commitment to food safety and consumer health.

For further information and updates, consumers can refer to the FDA's official communications regarding this recall.