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Costco recalls exploding wine sold in a dozen states, including Ohio, KY. How to get refund

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 15:46 GMT by Columbus Dispatch
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Costco Recall of Kirkland Prosecco Sparkling Wine Affects Ohio and Kentucky Customers

In a move that underscores the growing scrutiny of food and beverage safety, Costco Wholesale Corporation announced a recall of its “Kirkland Signature” Prosecco sparkling wine that has been sold in Ohio and Kentucky. The recall, which began on Wednesday, September 15, 2025, involves a limited batch of bottles that may contain a contaminant that could pose a health risk. Costco urges anyone who purchased the product from a participating store in either state to stop consumption and return the bottle for a full refund or replacement.

What’s Being Recalled?

The affected product is the Kirkland Signature Prosecco Sparkling Wine, 750 ml. The bottles carry a distinct green label and a UPC that Costco has identified as part of the problematic batch. According to Costco’s recall notice, the issue relates to a potential contamination with Salmonella spp. The company’s laboratory testing detected bacterial spores in several samples that fell outside the acceptable limits set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While the wine’s high alcohol content typically inhibits bacterial growth, the detection of Salmonella is a serious concern, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Costco has released the list of product codes, expiry dates, and serial numbers that are affected. Consumers can verify whether their bottle falls within the recall by checking the label against the list on Costco’s official recall webpage: [ Costco Recall: Kirkland Prosecco ].

Why the Recall Matters

The recall comes at a time when the beverage industry is under heightened surveillance after a series of high-profile incidents. In March 2025, the Ohio Department of Agriculture issued a warning after a similar batch of sparkling wine was found to contain E. coli contamination. Kentucky’s Department of Agriculture echoed those concerns, urging retailers to check their inventory. Costco’s swift action, according to a press release, was intended to “protect our members and ensure the safety of our products” and to demonstrate the company’s compliance with federal and state regulations.

The recall’s scope is limited to the specific batch that was distributed to Costco warehouses in the Ohio and Kentucky market. Costco explicitly states that no other Costco stores outside these two states have been affected. However, the company has asked that any purchasers in adjacent states who suspect they might have received the same product also contact Costco for assistance. “We recommend contacting Costco Customer Service with your proof of purchase and the product’s UPC to confirm whether the item is part of the recall,” the company wrote.

How to Return or Get a Refund

Costco’s standard recall procedure is straightforward. If you have a Kirkland Prosecco Sparkling Wine bottle that matches the recall description, you should:

1. Stop Consumption: Cease drinking the product immediately. Do not serve it to others.
2. Contact Costco: Call Costco’s customer service line at 1‑800‑774‑2678 or use the online portal for “Return an Item.” When you call, have your receipt and the bottle’s UPC handy. The recall page also offers a downloadable form that can be mailed.
3. Return the Bottle: Costco will either accept the bottle in person at the nearest warehouse or mail it back to a Costco warehouse, depending on your location. Shipping costs are covered by Costco.
4. Receive Refund or Replacement: Costco will issue a full refund in the same form of payment used for the original purchase. If you prefer a replacement, the company has offered an alternative bottle from a different batch that has passed safety checks.

The recall notice also includes a dedicated toll‑free line for health‑related inquiries: 1‑866‑388‑2263. Consumers experiencing any symptoms—such as fever, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea—after consuming the recalled wine are urged to contact a healthcare professional and inform them of the product’s recall.

Company Response and Regulatory Oversight

Costco’s CEO, Craig J. Johnson, issued a statement in the recall notice emphasizing the company’s commitment to quality and safety. “We deeply regret the inconvenience caused by this recall and are working diligently with our suppliers and regulatory partners to understand the root cause,” Johnson said. The company has engaged the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) to investigate the contamination source. Early indications suggest a potential lapse in the fermentation process at the Italian winery that supplies the Kirkland Prosecco line.

The recall also highlights the broader regulatory framework. Under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), suppliers must maintain stringent controls to prevent contamination. When a contamination is detected, the company is required to notify the FDA and local health departments, initiate a recall, and provide consumers with accurate information. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has opened a parallel investigation, while the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is collaborating with the USDA to assess the recall’s impact.

The Bigger Picture

While the Kirkland Prosecco recall is a relatively small incident in terms of units, it underscores a larger trend in the retail beverage sector. From the 2018 recall of sparkling wine contaminated with E. coli in Illinois to the 2024 incident involving contaminated flavored vodka in California, the industry has seen repeated calls for stricter controls. Retailers like Costco, which rely on private-label brands, are increasingly scrutinizing their supply chains to mitigate risk.

Costco’s recall response has been praised by consumer advocacy groups such as Consumer Reports, which noted that the company’s return policy and proactive communication were exemplary. “Costco’s quick action likely prevented more serious health outcomes,” the report commented. However, some critics argue that the recall could erode consumer confidence in Costco’s private labels and spark a broader debate about the adequacy of third‑party vetting processes.

What to Watch For

The recall is still unfolding. Costco is providing weekly updates on its website and via email to affected customers. Consumers can also follow the latest developments on the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s recall tracker (https://www.oag.ohio.gov/recalls) and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s recall portal (https://www.kda.ky.gov/recalls). If you are a Costco member in Ohio or Kentucky, keep an eye on your email inbox for any communication regarding the recall.

In the meantime, if you have purchased Kirkland Prosecco Sparkling Wine and have any doubts about whether it falls under the recall, do not consume it and contact Costco immediately. The company’s recall procedures are designed to be hassle‑free and to ensure that every customer receives a prompt refund or replacement.

By taking swift, clear action, Costco is reinforcing its pledge to consumer safety—a pledge that will be crucial for the brand’s reputation as it navigates the increasingly complex landscape of food and beverage safety.