Consumers are being urged to take caution as Würzburger Milchwerke GmbH announces a significant recall of butter products available at well-known supermarket chains Edeka, Kaufland, and Penny. With the holiday season upon us, this recall is particularly alarming for households relying on butter for baking festive treats.
The recall targets two butter products sold under different brand names. Specifically, the "Frankenland Deutsche Markenbutter mildgesäuert" and "Penny Deutsche Markenbutter mild" are being pulled from shelves due to the alarming possibility of contamination with metallic foreign bodies. The affected 250-gram packages are marked with minimum durability dates of January 18, 2025, and January 19, 2025.
Since being introduced to the market on December 6, 2024, these products have been sold across selected regions including Bayern, Baden-Württemberg, Sachsen, and Thüringen. The manufacturer revealed the recall on December 13, 2024, stressing the substantial risk posed by the potential foreign objects.
According to the company's statement, "Metallische Fremdkörper gefährlicher Grund für Butter-Rückruf," meaning "Metal foreign bodies are the dangerous reason for the butter recall," they have taken this measure to prevent any possible health hazards linked to their products.
Consumers are advised against consuming the potentially contaminated butter. The health risks are serious: foreign bodies could lead to injuries ranging from cuts in the mouth or throat to more severe internal injuries. A warning from the medical community stresses the seriousness of such injuries. It states, "Bei einem Loch (Perforation) können Nahrung, Verdauungssäfte oder Darminhalte wie Stuhl in den Bauch gelangen," or "If there is a perforation, food, digestive juices, or intestinal contents can enter the abdomen." This information, sourced from the MSD Manual, outlines the grave consequences of internal injuries.
Those who find these products at home should either throw them away or return them to the stores where they were purchased. The manufacturer has promised full refunds for any returned items, regardless of whether the purchase receipt is available. "Der Kaufpreis wird selbstverständlich erstattet," or "The purchase price will certainly be refunded," the company assures customers, illustrating their commitment to consumer safety.
The affected products included those sold exclusively at Penny, particularly the "Penny Deutsche Markenbutter mild," with additional importance placed on regional sales within Bavaria. Significantly, the "Frankenland Deutsche Markenbutter mildgesäuert" is also available through Edeka and Kaufland, making it imperative for customers across various states to verify their purchases.
The company advises customers to remain vigilant about food safety, especially during the busy holiday season when such items are frequently used for baking festive dishes. They remind consumers to refer to food recall updates diligently, especially as food safety incidents are more frequent during peak consumption times, and other retailers, including Rewe and Aldi, have also had recalls for foreign objects.
For any inquiries, customers can reach out to the Würzburger Milchwerke consumer hotline at +49 (0) 6543 503 677 during business hours. The hotline will operate weekdays from 8 AM to 8 PM and on weekends from 9 AM to 8 PM, ensuring help is accessible to those needing assistance.
This situation exemplifies the importance of food safety and vigilance when choosing household items during festive transactions. With holiday baking commonly including butter, consumers are reminded to proceed with care and check their cupboards thoroughly for any recalled items.
