Costco recalls bakery item for undisclosed allergen

Costco issued a recall notice recently for mislabeled bakery items due to an undeclared allergen that could potentially cause allergic reactions in customers. The affected product, “Mini Beignets filled with Caramel,” was mistakenly packaged with Mini Beignets filled with Chocolate Hazelnut, leading to the presence of “undeclared Tree Nuts.” The company advised individuals allergic to Hazelnuts/Filberts not to consume the product and to return it to Costco for a full refund. This recall notice applies specifically to purchases made between Jan. 16-30 in various states across the country, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, and New York, among others.

This issue follows closely on the heels of a class-action lawsuit filed against Costco for allegedly falsely advertising its Kirkland Signature Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken as preservative-free. According to court documents, the lawsuit accuses Costco of creating an impression through in-store signage and its website that the Rotisserie Chicken does not contain added preservatives. However, the lawsuit claims that the chicken actually contains sodium phosphate and carrageenan, both identified as preservatives. This discrepancy contradicts the overall impression conveyed by Costco’s advertising and labeling, as per the legal filing on behalf of Anatasia Chernov and Bianca Johnston.

The plaintiffs argue that consumers, including themselves, rely heavily on claims such as “No Preservatives” when making purchasing decisions, particularly when it comes to food products. The lawsuit contends that the lack of clear disclosure regarding added preservatives in the Rotisserie Chicken misled buyers who assumed it was preservative-free. Information about the presence and function of preservatives was allegedly buried in small print on the back of the product label, failing to adequately inform consumers about the chicken’s true composition.

Wesley Griffith, California managing partner at the Almeida Law Group LLC representing the plaintiffs, emphasized how consumers trust and rely upon prominent claims like “No Preservatives” to make informed choices for themselves and their families. The lawsuit suggests that Costco possessed superior knowledge about the ingredients used and their functionality within the product but failed to communicate this critical information transparently to consumers.

In conclusion, this recall notice from Costco serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate labeling and transparency in food products to protect consumers with allergies. Likewise, the class-action lawsuit highlights the significance of clear and prominent claims in advertising to ensure that customers can make informed decisions about the products they purchase. Transparency and honesty in labeling are vital aspects of consumer trust and safety.