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Why Costco recalls Kirkland Prosecco bottles due to risk of explosion

Why Costco recalls Kirkland Prosecco bottles due to risk of explosion

Costco recalls Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene bottles sold April 25-August 26 across twelve Midwest states due to spontaneous shattering risk. Customers instructed to wrap bottles in paper towels, place in plastic bags before disposal, and avoid returning to stores

Costco is issuing a recall for its Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene, saying that unopened bottles of the wine could “shatter” without being touched.

Why Costco recalls Kirkland Prosecco bottles due to risk of explosion

In a letter posted on its website, the company warned customers in 12 states across the Midwest and South to immediately dispose of the bottles “by wrapping the unopened bottle in paper towels and placing it in a plastic bag before placing in the garbage to avoid risk from shattered glass.”

The warning was directed at customers who bought the Prosecco between April 25th and August 25th of this year in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Customers were told not to return the item to a store but instead to present the recall letter in a store to receive a refund.

It’s unclear how many reports Costco, if any, received about the shattering prosecco prior to the recall notice.

Why recalls Matters

The recall occurs amid heightened concerns about food safety and the prevalence of foodborne pathogens in ready-to-eat products distributed at major U.S. retailers.

The recall occurs just months after a separate tuna recall at Costco over botulism risks, illustrating the persistent food safety challenges faced by industry and regulators alike.

Listeria infection, or listeriosis, may lead to a range of symptoms in infected individuals. For those experiencing less severe infections, symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which often last between one and three days, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For more severe and potentially life-threatening infections, symptoms may include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.

Severe infections are particularly dangerous for young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. It can also lead to miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

Recall affects twelve midwest states during peak summer season

The Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene recall covers sales during the peak summer celebration season when sparkling wine consumption typically increases. The affected states represent a significant portion of Costco’s Midwest market, where the retailer operates numerous warehouse locations.

The recall instructions emphasize safety precautions due to the unpredictable nature of the glass container failures, which can occur without warning or handling.

The alert applies to bottles sold in 12 U.S. states, particularly in the Midwest and northern regions of the country. The affected states are:

Costco has warned consumers to not attempt to open the bottles or return them to the store, due to the risk of explosions and injuries from broken glass.

What is causing the risk with these Costco wine bottles?

The issue appears to be related to a buildup of gas inside the bottles, generating enough pressure to cause the glass to shatter or the cork to pop off unexpectedly. Although this is a rare occurrence, in carbonated beverages like Prosecco, any failure in the bottling process or thermal management can lead to this type of hazardous reaction.

Even though Costco has not confirmed how many incidents have been reported, some customers have already shared concerning experiences.

One of the most notable stories was shared by a customer interviewed by The New York Times, a Chicago resident who reported three incidents with this Costco wine at different social events.

In one case, during a birthday party, upon removing the foil and wire cage from the bottle, the cork shot off with force, hitting someone in the arm. On another occasion, the cork exploded on its own during a bridal shower, soaking the food table with sparkling wine. A third incident occurred at her brother’s home, where a bottle burst with such force that it splattered the ceiling.

Callas stated that in all cases the bottles were stationary, had not been shaken or mishandled, and even after removing the wire, the cork appeared firmly in place.

What should you do if you have an unopened bottle of Prosecco Valdobbiadene?

Costco has provided detailed instructions for safely disposing of unopened bottles:

  1. Do not attempt to open the bottle.
  2. Wrap it completely in paper towels.
  3. Place it inside a sealed plastic bag.
  4. Carefully throw it in the trash, avoiding shared or compacted waste areas.

This procedure is meant to minimize the risk of injury from shattered glass in the event the bottle explodes during handling.

Consumer response

Reactions online highlight the level of concern among consumers. Several customers shared experiences of corks beginning to loosen under pressure or bottles reacting unpredictably once opened. While some expressed relief that they had avoided accidents, others voiced disappointment at having to dispose of bottles saved for special occasions.

Refunds and further information

Yes. Costco has confirmed that affected customers can receive a full refund of the purchase price. There is no need to return the bottle, but you must present the notification letter sent by the store or, alternatively, the original purchase receipt.

For additional questions, Costco indicated that consumers can contact Ethica Wines, the distribution company, by email (customercare@ethicawines.com) or by phone at (786) 810-7132, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

The recall, initiated on Saturday by Kent, Washington-based Western United Fish Company, follows a positive test for Listeria monocytogenes in the product’s green onions.

The recall affects approximately 3,315 pounds of Kirkland Signature brand Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke packaged and sold at Costco deli sections on September 18, 2025. It has a sell by date of September 22, 2025. Impacted products were distributed across Costco Warehouses in at least 32 states, including but not limited to Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Washington.

No illnesses have been reported in association with the product as of the recall date. Consumers who purchased the product are advised not to consume it and to return it to their local Costco for a full refund or dispose of it securely.

Consumers are advised to remain vigilant for symptoms of listeriosis, such as fever, muscle aches, or gastrointestinal issues, and to seek medical attention if illness develops following consumption of the recalled product.

The FDA recommends continued monitoring of product recalls and encourages manufacturers to review sourcing and safety protocols. Updates on the recall will be posted to the FDA’s notification channels and website.

Consumers can track the status of this and any future recalls through official FDA channels.

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