Costco, a major wholesale retailer, is known for its extensive range of products and its commitment to customer satisfaction. Part of this commitment includes the prompt recall of products that pose potential health and safety risks. Recalls are a critical component of consumer protection, ensuring that defective or hazardous products are removed from circulation. Here, we will explore some of the products recently recalled by Costco, highlighting the reasons for the recalls and the potential risks involved.
Frozen Organic Strawberries
According to a 2023 report by the US FDA, California Splendor, Inc. of San Diego recalled specific lots of 4-lb. bags of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Strawberries sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles, Hawaii, and two San Diego business centers due to a Hepatitis A outbreak. Consumers who purchased these products were advised to dispose of them or return them to Costco for a full refund.
Southwest Chicken Wrap with Sauce
In another instance, Costco recalled pre-packaged southwest chicken wrap with sauce due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Reports indicated that some consumers experienced symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. Costco promptly removed the product from its shelves and urged customers to return any purchased chicken salad for a full refund.
SunVilla Solar LED Market Umbrellas
In mid-2023, Costco issued a recall for SunVilla Solar LED Market Umbrellas due to fire and burn hazards. The lithium-ion batteries in the umbrella’s solar panels were found to overheat, posing a risk of fire. The recall was initiated after reports of the umbrellas catching fire were documented.
This recall affected approximately 400,000 units sold nationwide. Consumers were instructed to stop using the umbrellas immediately and to return them to Costco for a full refund.
Ivena Garden Benches
Costco also recalled Ivena Garden Benches due to a structural defect that posed a risk of collapse. The benches, made of a combination of wood and metal, were found to have a flaw in the metal support brackets, which could cause the bench to break unexpectedly.
This recall involved around 70,000 units. There were several reports of injuries resulting from the benches collapsing.
Lenovo Laptops
Costco also recalled a specific model of Lenovo laptops due to a battery overheating issue. The lithium-ion batteries in these laptops were prone to overheating, which could lead to fire hazards. The recall was a precautionary measure following reports of laptops overheating and causing minor burns. Consumers were advised to stop using the affected laptops and to contact Lenovo for a replacement battery or a full refund from Costco.
Portable Chargers
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of over 550,000 myCharge POWER HUB All-In-One 10,000mAh portable chargers sold at Costco due to fire and burn concerns. This recall covers three models with various date codes, following reports of the chargers overheating during use.
According to the CPSC, there have been 120 reports of the chargers overheating, including two home fires resulting in approximately $165,000 in property damage. Costco received 115 returns citing issues such as melting, expanding, smoking, fire, burning, exploding, or sparking. Fortunately, no burn injuries have been reported. These chargers were available at Costco from January 2022 through November 2023.
Tillamook Cheese
Costco has issued a voluntary recall for its 32-ounce twin-pack package of Tillamook Colby Jack and Tillamook Monterey Jack cheese slices due to possible plastic contamination. The recall affects products sold in Costco’s Northwest locations after gray and black plastic pieces were found in the Monterey Jack cheese.
The recalled cheese has a “Best if Used By” date of October 22, 2024. The cheese products are packaged in 42-slice packages. Tillamook advises customers not to consume the product and to return it to Costco for a full refund. Customers who have consumed the product without any issues do not need to take further action, as the likelihood of contamination is minimal.
Hatch Baby Rest Night Light and Sound Machine (First Generation)
The Hatch Baby Rest Night Light and Sound Machine (First Generation) has been recalled due to a potential electrical hazard. The issue involves the machine’s internal wiring, which can potentially short-circuit, posing a fire risk. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 919,400 products have been affected by recalls in 2024.
Mismarked Kirkland Signature Grain + Celery Salad
Costco has recalled the Kirkland Signature Grain + Celery Salad due to mislabeling issues. The salad, which contains undeclared allergens, poses a risk for individuals with food allergies. The specific batches affected were distributed in the Northwest region. Customers who purchased this product should return it to Costco for a full refund.
Sanctuary Biometric Quick Access Safe
The Sanctuary Biometric Quick Access Safe has been recalled due to a defect in the biometric lock system. The flaw allows unauthorized access, posing a significant safety risk. This recall affects approximately 61,000 units sold nationwide. Customers are advised to stop using the safes and return them to Costco for a refund.
Medline Bed Assist Bar
Medline Bed Assist Bar has been recalled due to a potential entrapment hazard. The design flaw in the assist bar can lead to entrapment and potential injury or suffocation. About 150,000 units are affected by this recall, subject to two deaths occurring between July 2019 and September 2023 in the US. Customers who own this product should stop using it immediately and contact Medline for a free repair kit or return it to Costco for a refund. For further details, see the CPSC recall notice.
Tide Pods Spring Meadow
Tide Pods Spring Meadow has been recalled due to a potential choking hazard. Some batches of these laundry pods were found to have packaging defects that could allow young children to access the pods, posing a risk of ingestion and choking. The recall affects approximately 8.2 million units. Customers should stop using the affected Tide Pods and return them to Costco for a full refund.
