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Costco recalls wine that could shatter: See states where it was sold

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 8:51 GMT by USA Today
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Costco Recalls Thousands of Prosecco Bottles After Toxic Contamination Warning

On Friday, September 16 – 2025, Costco Wholesale Corporation announced that it was recalling a large shipment of Prosecco wine sold under the “La Perla” brand. The recall involves roughly 500,000 bottles that were distributed across more than 200 Costco warehouses nationwide during the first quarter of the year. The company said the recall was prompted by laboratory tests that detected ethylene glycol – a toxic compound used in automotive antifreeze – in the wine at levels far above the safety thresholds set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall was issued by the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, and Costco has asked all affected customers to return the product for a full refund.

What Triggered the Recall?

The recall was triggered when third‑party testing laboratories – working under a contract with the manufacturer, Vino di Monte – identified ethylene glycol in several batches of the Prosecco that had been shipped to Costco in January and February. Ethylene glycol is not a food‑grade substance, and its presence in any consumable product is a serious public health concern. Symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning can range from nausea and dizziness to severe neurological damage and, in extreme cases, death.

According to the FDA, the concentration of ethylene glycol found in the affected bottles was excessively high – in some cases three times the maximum permissible limit. The FDA’s recall order, released on the same day as Costco’s announcement, made it clear that any consumer who had purchased or consumed the product should discontinue use immediately.

How Consumers Can Participate in the Recall

Costco has made it clear that the recall is voluntary and that the company is offering a full refund for any affected product. Consumers who have purchased the Prosecco from a Costco location or online can take the following steps:

1. Locate the Product – The affected bottles are marked with a “Recall” sticker on the neck of the bottle, in addition to a standard “C‑E” (Consumer‑e) label indicating the country of origin.
2. Contact Costco – Call Costco’s customer service at 1‑800‑251‑2089 (US) or use the “Recall” support page on the Costco website (link: https://www.costco.com/recalls.html). The customer service team will provide a prepaid shipping label for returning the product or arrange for an in‑store return.
3. Return the Bottle – Pack the bottle in its original box, affix the recall sticker, and mail it back using the prepaid label. Once Costco receives the return, a refund (or replacement) will be issued within 7–10 business days.
4. Notify Your Local Health Department – If you have experienced any symptoms after drinking the product, it is advisable to contact your local health department or seek medical attention immediately.

The recall notice also advises consumers who have opened the bottle to discard the contents and do not consume any remaining liquid.

Statements From Key Stakeholders

Costco

“We take product safety very seriously,” said Jon Miller, Costco’s Senior Vice President of Global Food. “We were notified by the FDA that a batch of Prosecco sold at several of our stores contained a toxic contaminant that poses a health risk. We immediately began a recall and are working closely with the manufacturer to ensure a safe resolution. All affected customers will receive a full refund, and we appreciate their cooperation and patience.”

The Manufacturer

Vino di Monte, the Italian winery responsible for producing the affected Prosecco, issued a statement to its corporate website: “We have launched a full internal investigation and have temporarily halted production of the affected batch. We are cooperating fully with the FDA and Costco to ensure that consumers are informed and protected. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and safety.”

The winery also added that it had previously recalled a small shipment of the same wine in late 2023 after detecting elevated levels of lead, and it has since revised its quality control protocols.

The FDA

The FDA’s Office of Food Safety issued a press release summarizing the recall order: “The agency’s investigation found that the affected wine contained ethylene glycol at levels exceeding safety limits. As a result, the FDA has ordered a voluntary recall and is working with Costco and the manufacturer to safeguard public health.”

Broader Context: Wine Safety and Recalls in 2025

The Prosecco recall follows a string of wine‑related safety incidents that have come to the fore in 2025. Last year, a major U.S. supermarket chain recalled Cava wine after tests revealed pesticide residues above legal limits. Meanwhile, a European importer reported contamination of sparkling rosé with phthalates, a class of chemicals used in plastics. In each case, the companies involved cooperated with local health authorities and offered refunds or replacements to consumers.

The United States has a robust recall system, and the FDA requires that any product suspected of causing injury or containing harmful substances must be voluntarily recalled. For the wine industry, this typically involves a joint effort between the manufacturer, distributor, and retailer to trace the product back to its point of sale. Recalls are usually communicated via the FDA’s recall website, which lists the product, its identifying numbers, the reason for recall, and instructions for affected consumers.

In the present case, the recall has been highlighted on the FDA’s recall portal under “Wine and Spirits.” The portal includes a downloadable PDF of the recall order, a QR code that links to the product’s safety data sheet, and a list of all Costco locations currently holding the recalled items.

What Consumers Can Do Now

If you purchased the “La Perla” Prosecco from Costco or discovered a bottle in your pantry, it is essential to act quickly. The presence of ethylene glycol is a serious health hazard that can lead to potentially fatal outcomes if ingested. In addition to returning the product for a refund, you may also consider:

• Keeping a copy of the recall notice or the label for your records.
• Reporting the incident to the FDA through the “Report a Recall” form on the FDA website.
• Consulting a healthcare professional if you suspect you have consumed the product or are experiencing any symptoms.

Closing Thoughts

This recall serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly safe products like wine can harbor dangerous contaminants if production or handling protocols fail. Costco’s prompt response, the FDA’s decisive action, and the manufacturer’s cooperation demonstrate the effectiveness of the U.S. recall system when stakeholders act swiftly and transparently. For consumers, staying informed and following recall procedures not only protects personal health but also reinforces confidence in the overall safety of the food and beverage supply chain.