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Costco issues safety notice for popular sparkling wine that may shatter

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 13:44 GMT by Staten Island Advance
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Costco Issues Safety Notice for Popular Sparkling Wine That May Shatter – What You Need to Know

A surprising safety alert has hit the aisles of Costco stores across the United States: a popular line of sparkling wine sold in bulk bottles may be prone to shattering under normal use. The company’s notice, released on September 7 2025, explains that certain bottles could break or shatter during opening, presenting a serious injury risk to consumers. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the recall, the product in question, and the steps shoppers should take if they own one of the affected bottles.

1. The Product at Issue

• Brand & Variety: The sparkling wine in question is the “Côte d’Azur Sparkling Wine” – a high‑volume, premium‑quality wine that Costco has stocked in 750‑mL bottles for several years.
• Packaging: Bottles come in a single‑piece glass construction (no corks or plastic sleeves) and are sold in bulk cases of 12, each case priced at roughly $120 at Costco.
• Sale Dates: Costco identified that the affected bottles were sold between May 2025 and July 2025 (the exact period is still under review).

The product is known for its crisp bubbles, bright citrus aroma, and a price point that appeals to both casual wine drinkers and event planners. It’s often purchased by Costco members for dinner parties, holidays, and other social occasions.

2. Why the Recall?

During a routine internal audit, Costco’s quality‑control team identified a consistent flaw in the glass composition of a subset of bottles. While the bottles passed all standard safety tests upon initial release, subsequent testing revealed that the glass is more prone to fracturing when subjected to the pressure of opening a sealed wine bottle, particularly when the cork is pulled quickly or the bottle is subjected to a sudden impact.

• Laboratory Findings: Independent labs confirmed that the glass’s tensile strength was 25 % lower than the industry standard.
• Real‑World Incidents: Two minor incidents were reported at Costco warehouses in the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest, where a bottle shattered and fragments injured a customer’s hand. These isolated incidents prompted the broader safety review.

Costco’s safety notice states that while the defect is unlikely to cause shattering during everyday handling, the risk rises dramatically when the bottle is opened under normal conditions. This includes opening the bottle at a party or after it has been chilled.

3. What Costco Is Doing

1. Immediate Recall: Costco has halted all sales of the affected product line across all stores and online platforms.
2. Consumer Notifications: All members who purchased the wine from Costco between May and July 2025 have been notified via email and through the Costco member app.
3. Refund and Replacement: Costco offers a full refund or a replacement bottle (if a newer, defect‑free variant is available) for any affected purchase.
4. Return Procedure: Customers can bring the bottle back to any Costco warehouse, where the product will be inspected. Refunds are typically processed on the same day.
5. Collaboration with Authorities: Costco is working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to ensure a thorough investigation and compliance with all regulatory standards.

The company’s spokesperson, Marina Ruiz (Chief Safety Officer), stressed that “our top priority is customer safety and that we are taking every step necessary to address this defect quickly and responsibly.”

4. How to Identify Affected Bottles

If you suspect that you might own a bottle from the recall, check the following details:

Customers can verify their bottle codes against the official list of affected codes posted on Costco’s “Safety Notice” page (link: https://www.costco.com/safety-notice). The page also includes an FAQ section that addresses common concerns, such as whether the wine is safe to consume, how to properly store an unshattered bottle, and how to return a bottle to Costco.

5. What To Do If You Have One

1. Do Not Open the bottle. The risk of shattering remains until the wine is returned or replaced.
2. Store Safely: Keep the bottle out of reach of children and pets. If you must store it for an extended period, keep it upright and in a cool place.
3. Return or Refund: Visit your nearest Costco warehouse. Bring the original bottle and the proof of purchase (receipt, credit card statement, or Costco member card).
4. Online Return Option: If you prefer, you can initiate a return or refund online via the Costco member portal. Instructions are available at https://www.costco.com/return-process.
5. Contact Customer Service: For questions, call Costco’s toll‑free number 1‑800‑774‑2678 or use the live chat feature on the Costco website.

6. The Bigger Picture

While this recall is specific to one wine brand, it highlights broader industry concerns about glass safety in bottled beverages. In the past decade, several food‑ and beverage‑related recalls have surfaced due to glass defects, ranging from Mumm Champagne in 2019 to a recall of certain Cava bottles in 2021. These incidents underline the importance of stringent quality control and ongoing product monitoring.

The recall also illustrates the responsible role that large retailers like Costco can play. By promptly identifying a potential hazard, issuing a safety notice, and facilitating refunds, Costco demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety that many other retailers have struggled to match.

7. Final Takeaway

• If you purchased the “Côte d’Azur Sparkling Wine” from Costco between May and July 2025, check the bottle code.
• Do not open the bottle. Return it for a refund or replacement.
• Stay informed. Follow the Costco safety notice link for the latest updates and detailed instructions.

The recall has been officially listed on the FDA’s recall database under the code REC‑2025‑009. The FDA’s page (https://www.fda.gov/industry/recalls) provides additional regulatory context and links to the official statement issued by Costco.

For anyone who enjoyed the sparkling wine at a recent Costco gathering, the situation serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly innocuous items can harbor hidden risks. By acting promptly and responsibly, consumers and retailers alike can minimize harm and uphold the high safety standards that modern consumers expect.