The brand notified customers in a letter, saying it was recalling the affected cheese out of an abundance of caution. Lovers of dairy and Costco beware: Your cheese could contain small pieces of plastic.
Details of the Recall
A Tillamook product sold at the wholesale store was recalled due to the issue, prompting the brand to send Costco customers a letter saying it was “voluntarily” removing the product from the marketplace out of an abundance of caution.
Costco said it identified the “very small” amounts of gray and black plastic pieces in a limited quantity of the Monterey Jack Cheese that was included in 32 oz. twin-packs with Tillamook’s Colby Jack Cheese slices. They were sold in the Northwest from May 9 to 31 of this year and carry a best-by date of Oct. 22, the letter said.
Costco is asking customers who still have the product to refrain from consuming it and to return the package to their local store for a full refund. It’s also reassuring consumers who may have already eaten the product to not worry.
“If you have already consumed the product without issue, you do not need to take any action, as the likely presence of the foreign plastic material is very minimal,” the letter, signed by Tillamook County Creamery Association’s executive vice president Mike Bever, said.
Affected Product Details
Product | Tillamook Colby Jack and Monterey Jack Cheese Slices |
---|---|
Package Size | 32 oz. twin-pack |
Best-By Date | October 22, 2024 |
Affected Dates of Sale | May 9 to May 31, 2023 |
Regions | Northwest, sold exclusively at Costco |
Reason for Recall | Possible presence of gray and black plastic pieces |
Action for Consumers | Refrain from consuming; return to local Costco for full refund |
Official Statement | Minimal risk, no action needed if already consumed without issue |
Background and Response
Costco has issued a recall on Tillamook cheese slices after gray and black plastic pieces were discovered in popular product packs. The recall pertains to 32 oz. twin-pack package of Tillamook Colby Jack and Monterey Jack cheese slices purchased between May 9 and May 31.
“Through standard food safety and quality processes, Tillamook has identified a very small quantity of gray and black plastic pieces that may be present in a limited quantity of Monterey Jack Cheese that is included in the 32 oz. package of Tillamook Monterey Jack and Tillamook Colby Jack cheese slices, with a ‘Best If Used By’ date of October 22, 2024, produced only for Costco locations in the Northwest region,” a letter from Costco said.
Consumer Advice
Consumers who still have the product should refrain from eating it and return it to their local Costco. “If you have already consumed the product without issue, you do not need to take any action, as the likely presence of the foreign plastic material is very minimal,” the letter said.
Company Assurance
Tillamook County Creamery Association has emphasized that the recall is a precautionary measure. The company is committed to the highest standards of food safety and quality. According to Mike Bever, the executive vice president, the detection of the plastic pieces was a result of stringent quality control processes. The company has taken swift action to address the issue and prevent any potential harm to consumers.
Impact on Consumers and Market
This recall has raised concerns among consumers, particularly those who frequently purchase Tillamook products from Costco. While the presence of plastic pieces is reportedly minimal, the recall serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in food safety practices. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and ensure that they do not consume the affected product.
Future Preventive Measures
In response to the recall, Tillamook is likely to enhance its quality control measures to prevent similar issues in the future. The company has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality dairy products, and maintaining consumer trust is paramount. Strengthening inspection protocols and ensuring rigorous monitoring of the production process will be crucial steps in this direction.
The Tillamook cheese recall, prompted by the detection of plastic pieces in certain products sold at Costco, underscores the importance of food safety and quality assurance. Consumers who have purchased the affected cheese are urged to return it to Costco for a full refund. While the likelihood of harm is minimal, the recall highlights the need for continuous vigilance and strict adherence to safety standards in food production. Tillamook’s prompt action and commitment to resolving the issue reflect its dedication to consumer safety and product excellence.
For more information, please visit the official Tillamook website.
The Harmful Effects of Plastic in Food
The Dangers of Plastic Food Containers
Plastic containers and cling film are ubiquitous in modern food storage and packaging. However, the use of plastic in food storage comes with significant risks due to chemical leaching. Chemicals from plastics can migrate into food and beverages, especially when the plastic is heated or exposed to sunlight. This leaching can pose serious health risks to consumers.
Bisphenol A (BPA) and Its Health Risks
One of the most concerning chemicals found in plastics is Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is commonly found in polycarbonate plastics used for baby bottles, sippy cups, sports water bottles, and the liners of canned foods. BPA is a xenoestrogen, a chemical that mimics estrogen in the body, disrupting normal hormone functions. This disruption has been linked to numerous health issues, including hormone and fertility problems, early onset of puberty, hyperactivity, obesity, diabetes, immune dysfunction, and certain cancers.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Antimony
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is the primary plastic used in water bottles, soft drink and juice bottles, peanut butter containers, condiment bottles, and vegetable oil bottles. While PET does not contain BPA and is often considered safer, it is still a hormone disruptor. PET can leach a toxic metalloid called antimony into food and liquids, especially when the containers are stored for long periods, exposed to heat, or placed in direct sunlight. Antimony is highly toxic and can cause stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Additional Chemicals in Plastics
Besides BPA and antimony, other chemicals in plastics also pose health risks. Phthalates, used to make plastics flexible, can leach into food and beverages, potentially causing reproductive and developmental issues. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), found in some food packaging and plastic wrap, can release harmful chemicals like dioxins, which are linked to cancer and other serious health conditions.
Minimizing the Use of Plastic
Given the potential health risks associated with plastic, it is crucial to minimize its use in food storage and packaging. Here are seven ways to reduce your reliance on plastic:
- Use Reusable Wraps: Opt for beeswax wraps or vegan soy wax wraps as alternatives to plastic wrap or cling film. These reusable wraps are eco-friendly and free from harmful chemicals.
- Shop Locally: Buy fruits and vegetables from local markets and farm shops instead of purchasing packaged produce from supermarkets. This reduces plastic waste and supports local agriculture.
- Choose Glass or Stainless Steel: Store food and beverages in glass or stainless-steel containers. These materials do not leach harmful chemicals and are durable and reusable.
- Invest in a Water Filter: Use a high-quality water filter instead of buying bottled water. Filtered water is safer and more cost-effective in the long run.
- Use Reusable Bags: Bring reusable cotton canvas bags when shopping. Keep spare bags in your car to avoid needing plastic bags at the store.
- Bring Your Own Cup: Take a reusable drinking cup to cafes. Also, use reusable glass, steel, or bamboo straws instead of plastic ones.
- Opt for Cloth Nappies: Cloth nappies are environmentally friendly compared to disposable nappies, which can take up to 500 years to decompose.