Würzburger Milchwerke Issues Urgent Recall of Butter Products Over Contamination Risk
Consumers are being warned to check their refrigerators as the Würzburger Milchwerke GmbH has initiated the recall of two butter products due to the potential presence of metallic foreign bodies, posing serious health risks.
The affected products include "Frankenland Deutsche Markenbutter mildgesäuert" and "Penny Deutsche Markenbutter mild," both sold in 250-gram packages. These are commonly used ingredients for seasonal baking, particularly as the holiday season approaches. The recall involves packages with expiration dates of January 18, 2025, and January 19, 2025, for the "Frankenland" brand, and January 18, 2025, through January 20, 2025, for the "Penny" brand.
According to the company's announcement made on December 13, 2024, these butter products have been distributed through major supermarket chains, particularly Edeka, Kaufland, and Penny, across various German states, including Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Sachsen, and Thüringen. The sale of these butter products began on December 6, 2024, but has now been halted.
This recall is particularly cause for concern as the presence of metallic foreign bodies can lead to serious injuries if consumed. The company has advised, "Verbraucher, die das betroffene Produkt gekauft haben, werden gebeten, dieses nicht zu verzehren," meaning consumers should not eat the contaminated products. This precaution is emphasized as possible damage from metallic fragments could include injuries to the mouth and throat or even more severe complications such as internal wounds.
Medical professionals also stress the potential emergency scenarios these metallic objects can cause. According to MSD Manual, "Das medizinische Fachportal MSD Manual informiert ebenfalls über die Risiken" associated with ingesting foreign bodies, noting risks such as perforations to the esophagus or intestines, which can lead to peritonitis—an inflammation of the abdominal cavity which is potentially life-threatening.
The company has made it clear on its consumer information platforms, including lebensmittelwarnung.de, stating, "Der Kaufpreis wird selbstverständlich erstattet," assuring customers they will be refunded for the affected products, even without proof of purchase. Consumers are urged to either dispose of the butter or return it to the store from which it was bought.
Approximately the impacted products are limited to specific regions: the "Penny Deutsche Markenbutter mild" is only available at Penny stores located within Bavaria, whereas the "Frankenland Deutsche Markenbutter mildgesäuert" was distributed more widely across the mentioned states. All customers who have purchased these products are strongly advised to take this recall seriously.
A spokesperson for Würzburger Milchwerke stated, "Unser oberstes Ziel ist es, die Sicherheit und Zufriedenheit unserer Kunden zu gewährleisten." This reflects the company's commitment to maintaining high safety standards and consumer trust. The brand has previously faced challenges but has effectively managed product recalls by prioritizing consumer health and safety.
For those affected, the recommendation is straightforward: Do not consume these products. Instead, check your fridge and either dispose of the implicated butter packages or return them to the merchant. For any inquiries, consumers can reach the company's hotline at +49 (0) 6543 503 677, available weekdays and during the weekend.
Recalls connected with food contamination, especially with metallic objects, are not uncommon and serve as reminders of the importance of vigilant consumer practices. While this butter recall raises alarm, it is also indicative of the systems and protocols in place to protect public health, showcasing the collaboration between manufacturers and regulatory agencies to address potential contamination swiftly.
