A wave of concern has spread as the FDA upgrades the butter recall by Bunge North America Inc. to Class II, warning of undeclared milk allergen in its European Style Butter Blend. Over 64,000 lbs. of butter, packed in white boxes and sent across U.S. centers, now pose health risks to allergy-prone consumers. With milk missing from the label, even a small bite could trigger serious reactions. The recall stands not just as a safety alert, but as a sharp spotlight on food labeling failures.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Product: European Style Butter Blend 1 lb.

• Company: Bunge North America Inc., Chesterfield, Missouri

• Recall Announced: July 14

• FDA Classification Updated: July 30

• Classification Level: Class II

• Concern: Undeclared milk allergen

• Volume Recalled: 64,800 lbs. (1,800 cases)

• Lot Code: 5064036503

• Packaging: White paperboard cases, 36 blocks per case

• Distribution: 12 U.S. distribution centers + 1 in the Dominican Republic

• FDA Advice: Stop eating the product, monitor symptoms, seek medical help if needed

In an update that has drawn national attention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially escalated the risk classification of a butter recall issued by Bunge North America Inc., a major agribusiness company based in Chesterfield, Missouri. What initially began as a voluntary recall has now been upgraded to a Class II recall, signaling heightened concern over allergen labeling compliance in food packaging.

The product in question — European Style Butter Blend 1 lb. — was recalled by Bunge on July 14, after it was discovered that milk, a known major allergen, was not declared on the product’s label. Though no illnesses or adverse reactions have been confirmed at this point, the FDA’s updated classification, announced on July 30, places the recall into a more serious regulatory category.

According to the FDA’s classification system, a Class II recall is defined as:

“A situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

This means that while the risk of life-threatening effects is considered low, consumers with milk allergies could still experience moderate health effects if they unknowingly consume the product.

The recalled butter was distributed widely — reaching 12 different distribution centers across the United States, as well as one international center in the Dominican Republic. Packaged in plain white paperboard cases, each shipment contained 36 one-pound blocks of the butter product. The specific affected lot bears the number 5064036503.

While the product’s rich European-style branding may appeal to food enthusiasts, the absence of milk allergen labeling has raised serious concerns among health officials. The FDA emphasizes that milk is one of the nine major allergens under U.S. food labeling regulations — a list that also includes eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.

In a statement from the FDA’s official recall database, the agency warns:

“Food-related allergic reactions can vary in severity and include mild symptoms, such as hives, face and lip swelling, vomiting, coughing or swelling.”

However, in more severe scenarios, allergic reactions can escalate dramatically.
According to the Mayo Clinic,

“Anaphylaxis causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause a person to go into shock and can be fatal.”

Because of such risks, the FDA mandates stringent regulations requiring companies to clearly list all potential allergens on food packaging. For foods that may cause allergies or hypersensitivity reactions, labeling requirements are even more specific.

Consumers who have purchased or consumed the affected product are urged to act immediately. The FDA’s official guidance advises:

“If symptoms of an allergic reaction develop, stop eating the food immediately, evaluate the need to use emergency medication (such as epinephrine) and seek medical attention.”

Despite repeated inquiries, Bunge North America Inc. has not issued a public response regarding the recall or provided further details about how the labeling oversight occurred. As of August 2, no official statement has been released by the company addressing the FDA’s reclassification.

Although the company initially opted for a voluntary recall, the FDA’s decision to raise the severity level underscores the growing emphasis on allergen transparency and food safety enforcement.

For individuals with known food allergies — especially those related to milk — the incident is a stark reminder of the importance of accurate and complete food labeling. In a market where consumer trust depends heavily on what’s printed on the label, even the smallest oversight can have far-reaching implications.

As the FDA continues its monitoring and enforcement efforts, the agency reiterates that food producers must uphold the standards set by federal law — particularly when public health is on the line.

As the FDA intensifies its oversight, the Bunge butter recall serves as a critical reminder of the stakes tied to food labeling accuracy. With allergens like milk capable of causing severe, even life-threatening reactions, transparency is not optional—it is essential. Consumers are urged to remain cautious, check product details, and seek medical attention if symptoms appear. While no injuries have been reported so far, this incident underlines the urgent need for stricter compliance in packaging practices to protect public health and rebuild trust in everyday food products.

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