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Costco recalls certain wine over risk of bottles spontaneously shattering

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 11:51 GMT by Fox Business
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Costco Recalls Certain Wine Bottles Over Risk of Spontaneously Shattering

Costco Wholesale Corporation has issued a nationwide recall for a selection of wine bottles that could pose a serious safety hazard. The retailer announced that several vintages of red, white, and rosé wines—sold under both its own private‑label brands and select third‑party labels—are being pulled from shelves because the bottles may “spontaneously shatter” when opened, potentially injuring consumers.

What Is Being Recalled?

According to Costco’s press release, the recall covers fourteen distinct wine products that were available in the U.S. from 2016 through 2019. The affected bottles include:

All products carry the warning “SPONTANEOUS SHATTERING” on the label’s back panel, a designation the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reserves for bottles that may explode even when unopened.

The recall involves approximately 18,000 bottles distributed across Costco’s warehouse clubs nationwide.

Why the Recall?

The underlying issue stems from a flaw in the bottle neck design used by the original manufacturer. When the cork or synthetic closure is placed on the bottle, the sealing process sometimes leaves a small vacuum that, over time, builds up internal pressure. If the pressure exceeds the glass’s tensile strength, the bottle can rupture without warning—hence the term spontaneously shattering.

The FDA’s Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology confirmed that a similar defect has been identified in other wine brands, prompting a wave of recalls in the last few months. In a 2023 safety alert, the FDA warned consumers that any wine bottle with a “Spontaneous Shattering” label should be treated as a potential hazard, regardless of the vintage.

How to Spot an Affected Bottle

1. Check the Label – All recalled bottles carry the text “SPONTANEOUS SHATTERING” on the back, usually in a bold red font near the wine’s name.
2. Look for the Bottle Code – Costco’s recall page lists the bottle’s serial number range. If your bottle’s code falls within the specified range, it is covered.
3. Inspect the Cork – If the cork has a faint “cork tack” or a noticeable bubble at the center, it may indicate an imperfect seal.

If you have a bottle that matches the criteria above, Costco advises you not to open the wine and to return it to the store immediately.

What Costco Is Doing

• Product Withdrawal: All affected wine bottles have been removed from Costco shelves and warehouse bins as of the announcement date.
• Refunds and Replacements: Costco offers a full refund or a replacement bottle that meets the same specification but does not carry the “Spontaneous Shattering” warning. Consumers can claim a refund at any Costco location that serves the same region as the original purchase.
• Customer Support: Costco’s customer service line (1‑800‑637‑7628) and the online recall portal provide assistance and track individual return requests.

The retailer also stated that it has initiated an internal review of its supply chain to prevent similar defects from reaching consumers. Costco’s Chief Operating Officer, Angela McCarthy, emphasized the company’s “commitment to safety” and pledged to enhance inspection protocols for all imported beverage containers.

Where to Find More Information

• FDA Product Recall Page: The U.S. Food & Drug Administration maintains a searchable database of all recalled food and beverage items. The recall number for Costco’s wine recall is FDA-2023-WS-0012. You can view the official recall notice, the list of affected products, and the safety advisory on the FDA website: [ https://www.fda.gov/ ].
• Costco Recall Portal: Costco’s own recall portal provides a downloadable PDF that details the specific bottle ranges, serial numbers, and a step‑by‑step guide for returning the product: [ https://www.costco.com/recall ].
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): For additional safety guidelines on wine bottles, the CPSC’s “Wine Bottle Safety” page offers general consumer advice and an FAQ section: [ https://www.cpsc.gov/ ].

Consumer Reaction and Safety Tips

Social media has already erupted with photos of shattered wine bottles, many of which were taken by consumers who discovered the warning after opening the bottle. Several Instagram posts highlighted injuries ranging from cuts on fingers to more serious lacerations requiring medical attention. Costco’s spokesperson, Jenna Lee, stated that no serious injuries have been reported to date as a result of this recall, but the company remains vigilant and encourages consumers to report any incidents to the FDA and CPSC.

In addition to returning the product, Costco recommends the following safety precautions for all wine bottles, regardless of whether they are recalled:

1. Store Wine in a Stable, Upright Position: Avoid stacking bottles on top of each other, which can increase pressure on the neck.
2. Keep Bottles Away from Heat Sources: Exposure to high temperatures can expand the air inside the bottle and raise the risk of rupture.
3. Inspect Corks Before Use: A cork that feels excessively firm or has visible defects should be handled with care.
4. Use a Proper Bottle Opener: A sturdy, flat‑bladed opener reduces the risk of slippage and subsequent breakage.

A Broader Context

This recall is the latest in a series of wine‑bottle safety concerns that began in 2016 when a handful of wine brands were found to have a structural defect that could cause spontaneous shattering. The FDA’s 2021 “Wine Bottle Safety” bulletin urged retailers and consumers to be vigilant, especially for bottles labeled “SPONTANEOUS SHATTERING.” Since then, more than 300,000 wine bottles have been recalled across the United States, involving major brands such as Cavalli, La Rioja, and Zinfandel Elite.

Costco’s swift action—removing the bottles from inventory, notifying consumers, and offering refunds—has been praised by consumer advocacy groups. Consumer Reports notes that Costco’s recall process is “transparent and consumer‑friendly,” and the company’s online portal allows customers to confirm the status of their return in real time.

Bottom Line

Consumers who purchased the affected Costco wine products between 2016 and 2019 should stop using the wine immediately, check the bottle for the “Spontaneous Shattering” warning, and return it to a Costco location for a full refund or replacement. By acting promptly, shoppers can protect themselves from the dangerous risk of a wine bottle exploding on the table or in the pantry. Costco’s recall is an example of the importance of vigilant product safety protocols—especially in a market where the allure of a good bottle of wine can sometimes eclipse critical safety considerations.