As Thanksgiving approaches, Costco, the popular membership-based warehouse retailer in the United States, has announced a recall of certain cans of its private label product, Kirkland Signature whipped cream. The company has stated that the affected items may contain low levels of cleaning chemicals, with some customers reporting unusual chemical odors and taste associated with the product.
The recall specifically concerns Kirkland Signature Real Heavy Whipped Cream, a voluntary action initiated by Alamance Foods, the manufacturer. According to a notice sent to Costco members on November 7, a batch of whipped cream may have been contaminated with trace amounts of cleaning chemicals, prompting the decision to recall the product for safety reasons.
In the notice, it was highlighted that several consumers have reported the presence of chemical smells and flavors in the affected whipped cream. However, as of the time of the announcement, no severe adverse reaction reports requiring medical attention had been received.
This whipped cream is a common ingredient used in desserts across many American households, especially as families prepare for holiday celebrations. With Thanksgiving approaching, the potential use of whipped cream with pumpkin pie and other festive treats has heightened consumer awareness and concern regarding the recall.
The recall pertains to specific batches of 15-ounce (approximately 425 grams) cans of whipped cream. Consumers can verify whether their product is included in the recall through the following information:
These products were sold between October 11 and October 31, 2026, at select Costco locations in 12 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
The manufacturer did not disclose which specific cleaning chemicals might be involved in the recall, nor did it explain how the chemical substance could have entered the product.
Alamance Foods has advised consumers who purchased the affected whipped cream to stop using it immediately and return it to their local Costco store for a full refund.
For any inquiries, consumers may also contact the manufacturer via email at customer.care@alamancefood.com.
Costco and Alamance Foods have implemented this voluntary recall primarily to prevent any potential food safety risks. Consumers are urged to carefully check the product codes, expiration dates, and timestamps on the cans, rather than relying solely on the brand name or packaging specifications to determine if their product is part of the recall batch.
As the holiday season arrives, ensuring food safety remains paramount for both retailers and consumers alike.