On March 26, 2025, Cabot Creamery Has Recalled 189 Cases of Butter Due to Coliform Bacteria—approximately 1,701 pounds—of its Extra Creamy Premium Sea Salted Butter due to elevated levels of coliform bacteria. This recall, classified as a Class III risk by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), affects products distributed across seven states: Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Arkansas. If you’re a fan of Cabot’s creamy butter, you’ll want to check your fridge to ensure you don’t have the affected product. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the recall in a simple, easy-to-understand way, including what coliform bacteria is, how to identify the recalled butter, and what steps you should take to stay safe.
What Happened with the Cabot Creamery Has Recalled 189 Cases of Butter Due to Coliform Bacteria?
Cabot Creamery, a Vermont-based dairy cooperative, discovered during routine testing that a specific batch of their Extra Creamy Premium Sea Salted Butter contained higher-than-acceptable levels of coliform bacteria. This finding prompted Agri-Mark, Inc., the parent company, to take swift action by voluntarily recalling the affected product on March 26, 2025. The FDA announced the recall on April 8, 2025, and classified it as a Class III recall, meaning the product is unlikely to cause serious health issues but should still be avoided out of caution.
The recall involves 189 cases, totaling 1,701 pounds, of 8-ounce packages of Cabot Creamery Extra Creamy Premium Butter, Sea Salted. Each package contains two 4-ounce sticks in a cardboard container. According to Agri-Mark, the good news is that 99.5% of the recalled butter was recovered before it reached consumers, with only 17 retail packages (8.5 pounds) sold, all in Vermont. No illnesses or complaints have been reported as of April 10, 2025, which is reassuring, but consumers are still urged to check their butter and take appropriate action.
This recall is a reminder of how seriously food companies and regulatory agencies like the FDA take food safety. By catching the issue early, Cabot Creamery and Agri-Mark are working to protect consumers and maintain trust in their brand. But what exactly does this mean for you? Let’s dive into the details.
What Is Cabot Creamery Has Recalled 189 Cases of Butter Due to Coliform Bacteria, and Why Does It Matter?
Cabot Creamery Has Recalled 189 Cases of Butter Due to Coliform Bacteria are a group of microorganisms commonly found in the environment, including soil, water, plants, and the digestive tracts of humans and animals. While most coliform bacteria are harmless, their presence in food can indicate potential hygiene issues during production, such as contamination from fecal matter. This doesn’t mean the butter is guaranteed to make you sick, but it’s a red flag that other, more harmful pathogens, like certain strains of E. coli, could be present.
According to experts, coliform bacteria are often used as an indicator of sanitation quality. Dr. Elaine Cloutman-Green, a professor at University College London, explained to Newsweek that finding coliform bacteria suggests “recent fecal contamination at some point along the production pipeline, potentially from the raw ingredients.” While the FDA’s Class III classification indicates that the recalled butter is not likely to cause adverse health effects, vulnerable groups—such as young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems—may be at higher risk if other pathogens are present.
The presence of coliform bacteria in dairy products like butter is concerning because these products are often consumed without further cooking, which would typically kill bacteria. To stay safe, it’s best to avoid consuming the recalled butter and follow the recommended steps for disposal or return.
How to Identify the Cabot Creamery Has Recalled 189 Cases of Butter Due to Coliform Bacteria
If you’ve recently purchased Cabot Creamery Has Recalled 189 Cases of Butter Due to Coliform Bacteria, you’ll want to check the packaging to see if it’s part of the recall. The affected product is easy to identify with the following details:
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Product Name: Cabot Creamery Extra Creamy Premium Butter, Sea Salted
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Package Size: 8 ounces (two 4-ounce sticks in a cardboard container)
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Best-By Date: September 9, 2025
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Lot Code: 090925-055
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Item Number: 2038
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UPC Code: 0 78354 62038 0 (found beneath the barcode on the package)
The recalled butter was distributed to retailers in seven states: Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Arkansas. If you live in one of these states and have Cabot butter in your fridge, take a moment to check the label. Only the salted version of the Extra Creamy Premium Butter is affected, so unsalted butter or other Cabot products are safe to use.
For added clarity, Agri-Mark also provided specific details for identifying the recalled product: look for an expiration date of 09/09/25, a code of 072 or 073, and a timestamp range of 22:00–00:30. If your butter matches all these criteria, it’s part of the recall.
What Should You Do If You Have the Recalled Butter?
If you find the recalled butter in your home, don’t consume it. The safest course of action is to either throw it away or return it to the store where you purchased it for a refund or replacement. Here’s a step-by-step guide to handle the situation:
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Check the Label: Compare the product details (best-by date, lot code, UPC, etc.) with the recall information listed above.
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Dispose or Return: If the butter matches the recall details, seal it in a plastic bag and throw it away to prevent accidental consumption. Alternatively, return it to the store for a full refund.
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Contact Agri-Mark for Questions: If you have concerns or need clarification, reach out to Agri-Mark via email at info@cabotcreamery.com or call 1-888-792-2268 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM EST).
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Monitor for Symptoms: Although no illnesses have been reported, if you’ve consumed the recalled butter and experience symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, or fever, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Agri-Mark has emphasized that only a small amount of the recalled butter reached consumers, and they’ve addressed the issue to prevent future occurrences. Still, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Why Was the Butter Recalled?
The recall was triggered by routine testing that revealed elevated levels of coliform bacteria in the affected batch. Agri-Mark acted quickly to identify the cause and implement corrective measures to ensure no other products were impacted. The company’s proactive approach demonstrates their commitment to food safety and quality, which is critical in the dairy industry where contamination risks can have serious consequences.
Coliform contamination can occur at various stages of production, from raw ingredients to processing equipment. While the exact source of the contamination wasn’t detailed in public statements, Agri-Mark assured consumers that they’ve taken steps to address the issue and prevent it from happening again. The FDA’s Class III classification reflects the low risk of harm, but the recall serves as a precaution to protect consumers from any potential health risks.
Health Risks of Cabot Creamery Has Recalled 189 Cases of Butter Due to Coliform Bacteria
While most Cabot Creamery Has Recalled 189 Cases of Butter Due to Coliform Bacteria are harmless, their presence in food can indicate sanitation issues that might allow more dangerous pathogens, like E. coli or Salmonella, to contaminate the product. E. coli, for example, can cause severe symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting, and in rare cases, it can lead to kidney failure, especially in vulnerable populations. Salmonella infections may cause fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, sometimes requiring hospitalization.
Jeremy Nicholson, a biological chemistry professor at Imperial College London, told Newsweek that the health impact of consuming contaminated butter depends on factors like the level of contamination, the specific bacterial strain, the amount consumed, and the individual’s health status. For most healthy people, consuming the recalled butter is unlikely to cause serious illness, but it’s still wise to avoid it.
If you’ve eaten the recalled butter and feel fine, there’s likely no cause for concern, especially since no illnesses have been reported. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Keep an eye out for signs of foodborne illness, such as:
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Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
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Diarrhea (possibly bloody)
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Vomiting
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Fever
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Dehydration
These symptoms can appear within hours to days after consuming contaminated food, so staying vigilant is key.
How Cabot Creamery Has Recalled 189 Cases of Butter Due to Coliform Bacteria
Agri-Mark’s swift response to the contamination issue is a testament to their dedication to consumer safety. By recovering 99.5% of the recalled butter before it reached store shelves, they minimized the risk to the public. The company also issued a press release on April 9, 2025, to clarify the recall details and correct any misleading media reports that exaggerated the risk.
Cabot Creamery is a trusted name in dairy, known for its high-quality butter, cheese, and other products. Their transparency in addressing this issue helps maintain consumer confidence. Agri-Mark has also encouraged consumers to reach out with any questions or concerns, providing clear contact information for support.
The Bigger Picture: Food Safety in the Dairy Industry
This recall highlights the importance of food safety in the dairy industry, where products like butter are highly perishable and susceptible to contamination. The FDA and manufacturers like Agri-Mark rely on rigorous testing and monitoring to catch potential issues before they reach consumers. When a problem is detected, recalls are issued to remove affected products from the market quickly.
Dairy products are among the most common sources of foodborne illness outbreaks, making early detection and recalls critical. The Cabot Creamery recall is a good example of how the food safety system works: routine testing identified the issue, the company took action, and consumers were informed promptly. This coordinated effort between manufacturers and regulatory agencies helps protect public health.
For consumers, staying informed about recalls is an important part of food safety. You can check for updates on the FDA’s website (www.fda.gov) or sign up for recall alerts to stay in the loop. Simple habits like checking expiration dates, storing dairy products at the right temperature (below 40°F), and cleaning your fridge regularly can also reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
What’s Next for Cabot Creamery Has Recalled 189 Cases of Butter Due to Coliform Bacteria?
Cabot Creamery Has Recalled 189 Cases of Butter Due to Coliform Bacteria are likely to continue monitoring their production processes closely to prevent future issues. The company’s quick response and transparency in this recall show their commitment to quality and safety. As a consumer, you can feel confident that Cabot is taking steps to ensure their products meet high standards.
If you’re a fan of Cabot’s butter or other dairy products, there’s no need to avoid the brand altogether. Only the specific batch of Extra Creamy Premium Sea Salted Butter is affected, and other Cabot products, like unsalted butter or cheese, are safe to enjoy. Keep supporting this trusted brand while staying vigilant about checking product labels.
Final Thoughts
The Cabot Creamery Has Recalled 189 Cases of Butter Due to Coliform Bacteria is a shared responsibility between manufacturers, regulators, and consumers. By catching the issue early, Agri-Mark and the FDA have minimized the risk to the public, with only a small amount of the recalled butter reaching consumers. If you have the affected product, take a moment to check the label and dispose of it or return it to the store. Stay informed, practice safe food handling, and reach out to Agri-Mark if you have any questions.