Miyoko's plant butter recall update: what's new on refunds and illnesses, and how to check your package

The Miyoko’s Creamery plant-based butter recall stayed in the news on Wednesday, Oct. 28, as more outlets, including ABC News and Gray TV stations, picked up the Food and Drug Administration’s report. The basics haven’t changed: one lot of European Style Salted Plant Milk Butter, more than 1,300 cases, sold in 10 states, recalled over possible yeast, mold and E. coli.

What’s new is a bit more detail, and some differences between reports, on refunds and illnesses.

This article is general consumer information, not medical advice. If you feel sick after eating a recalled product, contact a health care provider.

Which butter is recalled? Quick check

The FDA report quoted by ABC News describes the product as perishable and stored refrigerated or frozen, wrapped in wax paper inside a carton, and shipped in six-pack cases.

States: Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Wisconsin.

What’s new in the latest reports?

• The Class II label. ABC News reported that the FDA classified the recall as Class II on Friday. That level applies when a product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
• Who owns the brand. Prosperity Organic Foods of Boise, Idaho, acquired Miyoko’s Creamery last year, according to ABC News. The company did not immediately respond to ABC’s request for comment.
• The recall started weeks ago. The voluntary recall was initiated on Sept. 11, ABC News and USA TODAY reported. This week’s attention follows the FDA’s classification, not a new recall.

Can you get a refund? Reports differ

This is where coverage doesn’t line up:

• USA TODAY reported on Oct. 27 that consumers can return the product to the store for a full refund.
• ABC News said the recall notice did not include information about returning the product for a refund, and that no such information was available on Miyoko’s website.
• WBAY/Gray News likewise said the notice “did not give further information about refunds.”

If you have the product, the safest step is the same either way: don’t eat it. Ask the store where you bought it about a return, or throw it away.

Has anyone gotten sick?

Earlier reports, including USA TODAY’s, said no illnesses had been reported. ABC News put it more cautiously on Wednesday, saying it is unclear whether anyone fell ill after eating the affected product. No illnesses have been publicly confirmed in the reports cited here.

FAQ

Earlier coverage: Miyoko's Creamery plant-based butter recalled over possible E. coli, yeast and mold: lot code, states and what to do (Oct 28)