Butter Recalled In 7 States Over Bacterial Contamination

VERMONT — A Vermont firm has recalled more than 1,700 pounds of butter sold in seven states because it might be contaminated with elevated levels of coliform, a bacteria found in fecal matter.

Agri-Mark Inc., of Waitsfield, Vermont, voluntarily recalled 189 cases of Cabot Creamery 8-ounce premium butter made with sea salt, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The butter was sold in Arkansas, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont.

The FDA said the recall is ongoing. It is classified as Class III, the agency's lowest recall level that is issued in a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.

Consumers should not eat or use the recalled butter, which has a best-by date of Sept. 9. It is identified as lot 090925-055, item 2038.

Agri-Mark said in a release Thursday that it has successfully recovered 99.5% of the lot of the recalled product before it was sold to consumers. A small amount —17 retail packages (8.5 lbs.) — was sold to consumers in Vermont.

"Agri-Mark has identified the cause and has taken the appropriate internal actions to address it," the release stated. "No other products were affected. Agri-Mark is dedicated to food safety and producing quality products and is always monitoring its products for compliance."