THE FDA has issued a health risk warning over a nationwide recall of butter.

Shoppers were warned on July 14 that almost 65,000 pounds of NH European Style Butter Blend was pulled from shelves.

Bunge North American Inc. based in Missouri raised the alarm after a potentially life-threatening ingredient may not have been declared on the packaging.

The company announced the voluntary recall over concerns about milk allergies.

Since then, the FDA has given the recall a Class II classification which means the presence of undeclared milk poses a high health risk.

This means the “use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote,” per the FDA.

With milk being in the top nine major allergens alongside other foods like nuts, eggs, and fish, the packaging failure is a huge health problem.

For many, an allergic reaction to milk will be mild such as hives, vomiting, and digestive issues.

But for others with a more serious allergy, it can be life-threatening.

If someone with a severe reaction comes into contact with milk or a product containing milk, they could experience anaphylaxis which is “a severe, life-threatening reaction,” per the Mayo Clinic.

The butter recall is still ongoing with shoppers reminded to check for affected items.

Cases of the recalled butter were shipped across the country to 12 different distribution centres.

One of these was in the Dominican Republic.

This means that shoppers up and down the country and abroad should be aware and check their packaging.

They should specifically look for NH European Style Butter Blend UPC code: 1 00 78684 73961 2 – lot code: 5064036503.

It was packaged and sent to distribution centers in white paperboard cases with 36 blocks contained in each case.

Anyone who discovers they have a recalled item should not consume it.

They should instead bin it or return it to the store they bought it from for a refund.

Given the size of the recall, shoppers of major retailers such as Walmart and Kroger are likely to be impacted, per Food Business News.

“People with food allergies should read labels and avoid the foods they are allergic to,” the FDA states.

“The law requires that food labels identify the food source of all major food allergens used to make the food.”

As the recall continues, Bunge will be assessing it’s quality controls to stop further issues.

It comes as Walmart and Dollar Tree shoppers have been told to dump a popular summer treat over health risk fears.