10 Major Frozen Food Recalls Costco Faced Over the Years

Costco has long been known for its large selection of frozen foods, offering everything from chicken products to frozen desserts. However, over the years, several recalls have highlighted the potential risks associated with frozen food items. While these incidents may disrupt the shopping experience, they serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of food safety in large-scale production and distribution. As a result, many consumers are left wondering about the safety of the frozen foods they purchase. These are some of the major frozen food recalls that Costco has faced over the years, along with the reasons behind each recall.

Foster Farms Frozen Chicken – 2014

In 2014, Costco faced a major recall concerning Foster Farms frozen chicken. The recall was prompted by concerns over a dangerous antibiotic-resistant strain of salmonella, known as Salmonella Heidelberg, which was linked to over 600 cases of illness across 29 states and Puerto Rico. Despite initial reluctance to issue a recall, Foster Farms was eventually pressured into recalling more than one million pounds of chicken products. These products, including frozen varieties, were sold in several Costco locations, particularly in California, Texas, and other western states. The outbreak raised significant concerns about food safety, particularly with regard to the potential for contamination in poultry products. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, but the recall resulted in considerable public concern about the safety of chicken products from this supplier.

Foster Farms Chicken Breast Grilled Strips – 2014

In 2014, Foster Farms was again involved in a recall related to its chicken products. This time, the frozen chicken breast grilled strips were affected due to possible listeria contamination. Around 39,747 pounds of pre-cooked, frozen chicken strips were pulled from Costco shelves after contamination was detected. This recall was particularly concerning as listeria is a dangerous pathogen, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and the elderly. Fortunately, no illnesses were reported, but the recall still resulted in the removal of the product from several Costco stores in affected regions. The recall underscored the importance of stringent food safety practices, especially in pre-cooked frozen meals.

Nestle Drumsticks – 2016

In 2016, Costco had to pull Nestle Drumsticks from its shelves due to a potential listeria contamination. The recall was triggered by findings from quality control testing at Nestle’s production facility in Bakersfield, California, which revealed the presence of listeria on surfaces that came into contact with the product. Although there were no reports of illness linked to the affected Drumsticks, Nestle decided to issue a recall out of caution. The recall affected both 16-count and 24-count boxes of the frozen ice cream cones. Customers who had purchased the product were advised to return it for a full refund. This incident highlighted the importance of maintaining hygiene standards in food production, particularly in products prone to contamination.

Kirkland Signature Frozen Berries – 2019

In 2019, Costco had to recall its Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend due to a potential hepatitis A contamination. The berries, sourced from Townsend Farms, were sold in four-pound bags at Costco locations across California, Hawaii, and other states. The recall came after an outbreak of hepatitis A was traced back to the frozen fruit, affecting at least 10 individuals in four states. Although there were no reported fatalities, the recall caused significant concern as hepatitis A can be serious, particularly for those with weakened immune systems. Costco responded by removing the affected products from shelves and offering refunds to customers who had purchased the berries. This incident further underscored the importance of stringent food safety measures in handling and distributing frozen fruit.

Foster Farms Chicken Patties – 2022

Foster Farms faced another recall in 2022 involving its frozen chicken patties, which were sold at Costco. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the chicken patties contained pieces of hard, clear plastic, posing a choking hazard. Approximately 148,000 pounds of chicken patties were pulled from Costco shelves, particularly in California, Arizona, Colorado, and Washington. The recall was issued after customers reported finding plastic in the product, prompting a quick response from both Foster Farms and Costco to remove the items. No injuries were reported, but the recall drew attention to the need for quality control in food manufacturing. This incident reminded consumers of the potential risks in frozen food products and the importance of monitoring for foreign contaminants.

Kirkland Signature Frozen Strawberries – 2023

In 2023, Costco had to recall its Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Strawberries after they were linked to a hepatitis A outbreak. The strawberries were distributed by California Splendor and sold in four-pound bags at Costco stores in Southern California and Hawaii. The recall followed an investigation by the CDC, which found that multiple people had contracted hepatitis A after consuming the affected strawberries. The CDC warned that the symptoms of hepatitis A could take up to 50 days to appear, making it difficult to trace the source. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but the recall caused significant disruption. Costco urged customers who had purchased the strawberries to return them for a refund, emphasizing the importance of food safety and vigilance in the supply chain.

Kodiak Power Waffles – 2024

In 2024, Kodiak Cakes issued a recall of its Protein-Packed Buttermilk & Vanilla Waffles due to the presence of a foreign material, soft plastic film. The recall affected 7,300 boxes of waffles, weighing a total of 24,455 pounds, sold at Costco stores across the Midwest. The issue was discovered after customers reported finding plastic in the waffles, which posed a choking hazard. Despite the fact that no injuries or illnesses were reported, Kodiak Cakes acted quickly to remove the affected products from shelves. The recall included waffles with best-by dates from July 15 to August 25, 2024. This incident brought attention to the risks of foreign contaminants in frozen food products and the critical role of consumer reporting in identifying potential safety hazards.

El Monterey Frozen Chicken Taquitos – 2024

In 2024, Costco was affected by a recall of El Monterey Frozen Chicken & Cheese Taquitos and various Red’s All Natural chicken burritos due to a listeria contamination. BrucePac, the supplier of the chicken used in these products, recalled nearly 12 million pounds of chicken products after detecting listeria at its Durant, Oklahoma plant. The recall, which included Costco’s stock of taquitos and burritos, was one of the largest meat recalls of the year. Fortunately, there were no fatalities associated with the recall, but the potential for severe illness made the situation serious. Costco customers who had purchased these products were advised to return them for a full refund. This recall was another stark reminder of the importance of food safety in the meat supply chain.

Chocolate Chunk Frozen Cookie Dough – 2024

Costco faced a recall of its chocolate chunk frozen cookie dough in May 2024 due to a salmonella contamination at the supplier’s facility. The affected cookie dough was manufactured by Rise Baking Company’s subsidiary South Coast Baking. The recall impacted Costco locations across 21 states, with approximately 29,019 cases of the contaminated cookie dough being pulled from the shelves. Although no illnesses were reported, the potential risk of foodborne illness from raw cookie dough, especially with its widespread consumption, prompted the recall. Customers who had purchased the affected cookie dough were urged to return it for a full refund. This recall highlighted the ongoing risk associated with consuming raw dough and the importance of strict safety protocols in food production.

Krusteaz Frozen Belgian Waffles – 2024

Krusteaz Frozen Belgian Waffles were part of a significant recall issued in October 2024, when listeria monocytogenes contamination was discovered at the production facility of TreeHouse Foods. Initially, the recall did not affect the Krusteaz waffles, but the list was expanded shortly after to include these waffles, along with other frozen pancake and waffle products. The recall was prompted by routine in-house testing at TreeHouse Foods’ Brantford, Ontario, plant, which uncovered the contamination. No illnesses were reported, but the affected products were pulled from Costco stores as a precaution. Consumers who had purchased the recalled waffles were encouraged to return them to Costco for a refund. The recall reminded customers of the importance of food safety testing, even for products that typically have a long shelf life.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

10 Costco Bakery Finds Winning Over Shoppers This Season

Costco’s bakery is filled with treats that shoppers look forward to every season. From pies packed with fruit to cookies that feel homemade, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The mix of sweet flavors and generous portions makes these finds perfect for gatherings or simple family desserts. Read More.

Aldi’s 12 New Grocery Picks to Grab This Fall

Fall is officially here, and Aldi is rolling out a lineup of cozy treats and seasonal finds that are hard to pass up. From German cakes and flaky strudels to pumpkin spreads and spicy chicken patties, the shelves are packed with items that make chilly days feel a little warmer. Read More.

6 Costco Purchases With Savings Shoppers Can’t Resist

Costco is known for offering deals that shoppers cannot pass up, from pantry staples to specialty finds. The mix of everyday essentials and unique products makes each trip feel rewarding. Many items come in larger sizes or bulk packs, which means more value for the price. Read More.