Costco is among the most popular grocery chains in the U.S. In 2020, it was rated as the fifth-largest retailer in the world. People love it because it offers hard-to-beat prices and a wide range of products. Plus, Costco often provides free samples and has excellent customer service.
But, nobody’s perfect, and mistakes can happen. Right now, one Costco-exclusive food item is being pulled from the shelves due to safety concerns. Read on to find out what product this is.
Kettle Classic Clam Chowder With Uncured Bacon
Ivar’s Soup and Sauce Company, the manufacturer of the Kettle Classic Clam Chowder with Uncured Bacon, has announced that it’s recalling the product due to the possibility it contains plastic. The company began a recall of 14,968 packages total.
This product is sold as two 24 oz plastic cups wrapped in cardboard. It’s sold only at Costco with a product number 1270006 and a UPC number 30383 19649 6.
There is a use-by date 12-22-2021 printed on the bottom of each product’s cardboard sleeve and cups’ lip. They were sold in 13 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
According to the FDA announcement, there were no injuries or illnesses reported at the time of the recall.
How Was the Problem Discovered?
On Oct. 17, 2021, Ivar’s Soup and Sauce Company received a report that a consumer found a piece of plastic in one of their containers. Fortunately, the consumer didn’t swallow it, so there were no injuries.
The piece of plastic was shaped like a half-circle with a missing center and had sharp, pointed edges. The circle’s diameter was around 1 1/4 inches. The company stated that there’s a possibility the remainder of the plastic is one piece of similar size or numerous smaller pieces.
What to Do if You’ve Purchased the Product?
Upon the manufacturer’s recall, all Costco stores were instructed to remove the product from the shelves. But, what can you do if you’ve bought the soup before the recall? You have two options:
- Throw it away. The FDA urges against consuming it.
- Bring the product to a Costco store, where you’ll receive a full refund.
Check if You Have the Product in Your Fridge
Customers are used to purchasing high-quality and affordable products at Costco, and one incident probably won’t change that. Both Costco and Ivar’s Soup & Sauce Company apologize for this oversight.
If you have any questions about the product or refund, feel free to contact Ivar’s Soup & Sauce Company. You can reach them on weekdays at 1-425-493-1402, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.
