Bocce's Bakery Costco Recall: Products Recalled, Safety Alert

On April 15, 2021, Costco Wholesale Corporation, in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), issued a voluntary recall of certain Bocce's Bakery products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Bocce's Bakery, based in San Francisco, California, produces a variety of artisanal dog treats under the brand Bocce's Bakery for Pets. The recalled products were sold exclusively at Costco warehouses nationwide and on their website. The recall affects specific lots and best-by dates of the following products:

Recalled Products

The recalled products include:

• Bocce's Bakery Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits (12 oz, 24 oz, and 36 oz)
• Bocce's Bakery Apple Bacon Dog Biscuits (12 oz, 24 oz, and 36 oz)
• Bocce's Bakery Cheddar Cheese Dog Biscuits (12 oz, 24 oz, and 36 oz)

Consumers can identify the recalled products by checking the lot codes and best-by dates printed on the back of the packages. A complete list of recalled lots can be found on the FDA's website.

Potential Contamination

Listeria monocytogenes can survive and grow in cold temperatures, making refrigerated foods and ready-to-eat products particularly vulnerable. The contamination was discovered during routine testing by the FDA. No illnesses have been reported to date, but consumers are urged to discontinue use of the recalled products immediately.

Listeriosis, the infection caused by consuming food contaminated with Listeria, can cause fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, it can lead to serious infections, such as meningitis, septicemia, and even death. Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk.

What to Do if You Have Recalled Products

Consumers who have purchased the recalled Bocce's Bakery products should discontinue use and discard them immediately. Refunds are available at the point of purchase. For further information or assistance, consumers can contact Bocce's Bakery directly at 1-888-664-8557 or via email at [info@boccesbakery.com](mailto:info@boccesbakery.com).

Costco members with questions or concerns can also contact Costco's customer service team at 1-800-774-2678.

Costco's Response and Prevention Measures

Costco has taken swift action to remove the recalled products from their shelves and online platforms. They have also implemented enhanced safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. These include:

Enhanced Supplier Audits

Costco has strengthened its supplier audits to ensure all partners adhere to stringent food safety standards. Regular audits help identify and mitigate potential risks before they reach the marketplace.

Costco has also increased the frequency of its own internal product testing to further bolster food safety measures.

Consumer Education

Costco is committed to educating consumers about food safety and the importance of checking product labels for recalls. They encourage customers to sign up for their email newsletter to receive up-to-date information on recalls and other important announcements.

In addition, Costco provides detailed product information and ingredient lists on their website to help consumers make informed decisions about their purchases.

While this recall is a reminder of the importance of food safety, it is also a testament to Costco's commitment to transparency and consumer well-being. By promptly addressing the issue and implementing enhanced safety measures, Costco continues to prioritize the health and satisfaction of its members and customers.