1,700 pounds of Cabot Creamery butter recalled over possible poop contamination

New York Post - Apr 9th, 2025

Cabot Creamery has announced a voluntary recall of nearly one ton of its Extra Creamy Premium Butter due to potential fecal contamination. The recall affects 189 cases, approximately 1,701 pounds, of the Sea Salted Extra Creamy Premium Butter in 8-ounce packages. These products were distributed across Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Arkansas. The recall, classified by the FDA as a Class III event, is due to elevated levels of coliform bacteria, which can indicate unsanitary conditions or possible fecal contamination. Although the risk of serious health consequences is low, public health officials urge caution and recommend returning or disposing of the affected butter.

The presence of coliform bacteria in food products raises concerns about the potential presence of harmful pathogens like E. coli. While no illnesses have been reported in connection to the recalled butter, consumers are advised to check their refrigerators for the product, identified by the best-by date of September 9, 2025, UPC code 0 78354 62038 0, and lot code 090925-055. Cabot Creamery has stated its commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and food safety. The FDA and Agri-Mark are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary. Consumers who experience gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming the product should seek medical attention.

Food Safety Fda Public Health Cabot Creamery Agri Mark, Inc. Butter Recall Fecal Contamination Coliform Bacteria E. Coli

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story provides a clear and timely report on the recall of Cabot Creamery's butter due to potential contamination. It effectively communicates the essential details of the recall and potential health risks, making it highly relevant to public interest. The article's strengths lie in its clarity, timeliness, and public health focus. However, it could improve in areas of source quality and transparency by incorporating more diverse perspectives and explaining the recall process in greater detail. While the story is unlikely to provoke significant controversy, it serves an important role in informing consumers and encouraging safe practices. Overall, the article is a reliable source of information for those affected by the recall, though it could benefit from deeper exploration of the broader implications of food safety standards.

Accuracy

The news story accurately reports the recall of Cabot Creamery's butter, detailing the specific product affected, including identification codes and the states involved. The information aligns with typical recall announcements, suggesting high factual accuracy. However, while the story mentions the FDA's classification of the recall as a Class III event, it lacks direct citations or quotes from FDA sources, which would strengthen its verifiability. Additionally, the story states that no illnesses have been reported, which is consistent with standard recall notices, but it could benefit from more specific data or expert commentary on the likelihood of health risks.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by explaining both the potential risks and the low likelihood of serious health consequences, as indicated by the FDA's classification. It includes statements from Cabot Creamery, emphasizing their commitment to safety, which provides a company perspective. However, the article could enhance balance by including independent expert opinions on the implications of coliform bacteria in food products or consumer advocacy group perspectives to provide a fuller view of the potential consumer impact.

Clarity

The article is clear and well-structured, with a logical flow from the recall announcement to the potential health implications. It uses straightforward language that is accessible to a general audience. The explanation of coliform bacteria and the potential risks is concise and informative, aiding comprehension. However, additional context on the FDA's recall classification system could further clarify the risk assessment for readers unfamiliar with these terms.

Source quality

The primary source of information appears to be the recall notice from the FDA and statements from Cabot Creamery. While these are credible sources, the article would benefit from additional sources, such as interviews with food safety experts or health officials, to provide a more comprehensive view. The reliance on a single company spokesperson without corroborating information from independent sources slightly weakens the source quality.

Transparency

The article is transparent in presenting the recall details, such as product identification and distribution areas. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology for assessing the recall's impact or the criteria used for the FDA's classification. Including background on how such classifications are determined and the typical process for issuing recalls would enhance transparency and reader understanding.