1,701 Pounds Of Butter Recalled Due To Possible Fecal Contamination

Forbes - Apr 11th, 2025

Agri-Mark has initiated a voluntary recall of its Extra Creamy Premium Butter, Sea Salted butter due to elevated levels of coliform bacteria, which could indicate fecal contamination. The recall affects 186 cases or 1,701 pounds of butter, specifically the eight-ounce version with a 'best by' date of September 9, 2025, and a lot number of 090925-055. The recall spans seven states—Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Arkansas. Despite the potential contamination, the FDA has classified this as a Class III recall, suggesting it is not likely to cause adverse health consequences. Cabot Creamery, a subsidiary of Agri-Mark, stated that 99.5% of the affected lot has been recovered before reaching consumers, with only a small amount of 17 retail packages sold in Vermont.

Coliform bacteria serve as indicator organisms for potential fecal contamination, commonly tested in food and water supplies. While not all coliform bacteria are harmful, some, like certain strains of E. coli, can cause health issues. The presence of coliform bacteria suggests possible contamination from fecal matter, although they can also originate from soil and plant material. The recall highlights food safety monitoring's importance and the challenges of detecting all harmful microorganisms. Consumers are advised to discard or return any affected butter packages and monitor their health if they have consumed the product, emphasizing the precautionary principle in food safety management.

New York Food Safety Connecticut Maine Pennsylvania Fda Vermont Arkansas New Hampshire Cabot Creamery Butter Recall Coliform Bacteria Agri Mark

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively informs readers about a recent recall of Cabot Creamery butter due to potential contamination with coliform bacteria. It provides accurate details about the product and the recall, supported by the FDA's report, making it a reliable source of information for consumers. The writing style is engaging and accessible, though it occasionally leans towards sensationalism, which might detract from the seriousness of the topic for some readers. The article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives, including expert opinions on food safety, to provide a more balanced view. Overall, it successfully addresses a topic of significant public interest, offering timely and relevant information to help consumers make informed decisions about their food purchases.

Accuracy

The news story accurately reports the voluntary recall of 186 cases or 1,701 pounds of Cabot Creamery butter due to elevated levels of coliform bacteria. The details about the product, including the best-by date, lot number, and item number, are correctly stated, aligning with the FDA's report. The story also correctly identifies the states affected by the recall and the classification of the recall as Class III, indicating low risk to health. However, the story's language around the potential presence of feces could be seen as sensational, given the FDA's classification, which might not fully reflect the low risk nature of the recall.

Balance

The article presents the recall from the perspective of consumer safety and the company's response. It emphasizes the potential health implications of coliform bacteria, which is crucial for informing the public. However, the article could have provided more balance by including perspectives from food safety experts or consumer advocacy groups to offer a broader view of the recall's significance. The focus on the sensational aspect of fecal contamination might overshadow the factual presentation of the recall's low risk classification.

Clarity

The article is written in a clear and engaging manner, making complex information about food safety accessible to a general audience. The use of humor and analogies helps to maintain reader interest, though it may detract from the seriousness of the topic for some readers. The structure is logical, with a clear progression from the details of the recall to the implications for consumers. However, the tone could be perceived as overly sensational in parts, which might affect the perceived neutrality of the information.

Source quality

The primary source for the article is the FDA's report, which is a credible and authoritative source for information on food recalls. However, the article lacks citations from additional expert sources or independent verification, which would enhance its credibility. The story could benefit from quotes or insights from food safety experts or industry analysts to provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.

Transparency

The article is transparent about the source of its information, citing the FDA's report. It clearly explains the reason for the recall and the potential health implications of coliform bacteria. However, the article does not disclose the methodology behind the detection of coliform bacteria or any potential conflicts of interest, such as relationships between the publication and the companies involved. Greater transparency in these areas would strengthen the article's reliability.