Check your shelves: Iowa stores on list of Costco's recall of wine bottles

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 14:31 GMT by KCCI Des Moines

Costco Recalls Prosecco After Safety Warning: Bottles Could Shatter Without Notice

In a move that has rattled shoppers across the Midwest, Costco has begun recalling a batch of Prosecco sold at its warehouses in Iowa. The recall follows a startling safety alert issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Iowa Department of Public Health, which warned that certain wine bottles could shatter during consumption or when subjected to temperature changes—yet the product’s labeling failed to provide a warning.

The Trigger for the Recall

On September 3rd, 2024, the FDA notified Costco that a series of Prosecco bottles had been linked to a small number of injuries reported by consumers who experienced sudden, violent breakage of the glass. Investigations revealed that the bottles were manufactured with a lower-than‑standard glass thickness, a defect that was not detected during routine quality‑control checks. Compounding the problem, the bottles’ labels did not contain the mandatory “warning – breakable” disclaimer that the FDA requires for all wine and spirits containing high carbonation or pressurized gas.

“I had no idea I was holding a bottle that could explode,” recounted one shopper in Des Moines. “It shattered on my kitchen counter right after I uncorked it.”

Products Affected

The recall involves Prosecco sold under the “Ruffino Prosecco” brand in 750‑mL bottles. Costco’s own database indicates that the affected inventory was distributed to the following Iowa locations:

Consumers who purchased Prosecco from any of the above warehouses between August 25th and September 5th are urged to check the bottle’s serial number and packaging against the list posted on Costco’s recall webpage. The serial numbers can be found on the back of the cap or on the barcode label.

How to Verify

1. Locate the serial number: The serial number appears as a series of digits on the bottle’s base or on the bottom of the cap.
2. Visit Costco’s Recall Page: Navigate to the dedicated recall webpage (https://www.costco.com/recall).
3. Enter the serial number: Use the online tool to confirm whether your bottle is part of the recalled batch.
4. Contact Costco Customer Service: If your bottle is listed, you may request a replacement or a refund. Call 1‑800‑637‑2045 for assistance.

What Costco Is Doing

Costco has taken a proactive stance, acknowledging that the label omission was an oversight. “We are working closely with our suppliers to ensure that all labeling meets the FDA’s safety requirements,” said a spokesperson in a statement. “Our top priority is the safety and satisfaction of our customers.”

The company has also launched a campaign to remind shoppers to inspect bottles for proper labeling. Costco’s online portal now features a “Bottle Safety Guide,” detailing what to look for on wine and spirits packaging.

Regulatory Oversight

The recall is the latest action by the FDA under its “Beverage Safety” regulations. According to the agency’s release, the FDA will conduct a follow‑up inspection of the glass manufacturer and the bottling facility responsible for the Prosecco in question. The Iowa Department of Public Health has also announced a statewide review of all imported wine products.

Consumer Guidance

While the FDA estimates that no serious injuries have been reported, consumers are urged to exercise caution. The agency recommends:

• Do not shake or apply pressure to the bottle before opening.
• Hold the bottle in your hand, not at the neck, to minimize the risk of shards penetrating the cap.
• Check the label for the mandatory “Warning – Breakable” disclaimer before purchasing.
• Store the bottle in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing it to extreme temperature changes.

What to Do If You’ve Already Opened the Bottle

If you have already opened the bottle and noticed shards or felt any unusual pressure when uncorking, you should:

1. Stop consumption immediately.
2. Dispose of the bottle safely in a designated sharps bin or sealed plastic bag.
3. Report the incident to your local health department.

The FDA’s website offers a dedicated page for reporting beverage-related incidents (https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-and-thenew-bottle).

Looking Ahead

The recall underscores a broader industry issue: the need for stringent labeling and quality control across the supply chain. Several other wineries have already tightened their labeling protocols after similar FDA notices last month.

Costco’s swift action—removing affected inventory from shelves, notifying shoppers via email and its website, and setting up a streamlined return process—has mitigated the potential for widespread harm. Nevertheless, the incident has sparked a renewed conversation among retailers and regulators about transparency, product safety, and the responsibilities of both manufacturers and distributors.

In a final note, the FDA has reiterated that all beverages containing carbonation or pressurized gas must carry the “Warning – Breakable” disclaimer. Failure to comply can result in product recalls, fines, and a loss of consumer trust.

Consumers are advised to stay vigilant, check bottle labeling carefully, and contact Costco or the FDA if they suspect a product may be part of a recall. With the recall underway, the industry is taking steps to ensure that the next time you uncork a bottle of Prosecco, the only thing that shatters is the glass of champagne you’re about to pour, not your safety.