Costco has issued an urgent recall of its popular Kirkland Signature Prosecco DOCG, citing a serious safety risk for consumers. According to the retailer, bottles of the sparkling wine may spontaneously shatter or explode due to excessive pressure buildup inside the glass. The recall applies to products distributed across more than ten U.S. states, sparking widespread concern among shoppers who frequently purchase Costco’s private-label beverages.
The announcement, which surfaced in early September, has been amplified by multiple outlets including the Associated Press and People magazine. Costco stated that customer safety is its top priority and urged anyone who purchased the affected bottles to stop consuming them immediately and return them for a full refund.
The recall specifically involves Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG, 750ml bottles, a widely popular product in Costco’s wine section. The bottles were sold in several states throughout the summer, particularly from June through early September.
According to notices shared with consumers, the issue stems from an unexpected fermentation imbalance, which can cause dangerously high carbonation levels. This pressure places undue stress on the glass bottles, increasing the risk of breakage. While no injuries have yet been reported, Costco emphasized the importance of proactive safety measures.
The retailer has provided instructions for customers to return the bottles to any Costco warehouse for a full refund. No receipt is required, and the company has pledged to handle all affected inventory swiftly to prevent further risks.
Wine experts note that prosecco, like champagne, is a carbonated beverage that relies on precise fermentation processes. If fermentation continues after bottling or if carbonation levels exceed safe thresholds, bottles may be unable to withstand the pressure.
Exploding bottles are relatively rare but not unheard of in the wine industry. Typically, they occur when fermentation continues unexpectedly in sealed bottles, especially if temperature or storage conditions are not tightly controlled.
Costco has not disclosed whether the issue originated at the production facility in Italy or during storage and transportation. However, the company confirmed it is working closely with suppliers to identify the root cause and prevent recurrence.
Reports indicate that the recall affects bottles sold in over 10 U.S. states, including California, New York, Florida, Texas, Washington, and Illinois. The exact list may vary as Costco continues to investigate its supply chain.
Given Costco’s nationwide footprint and the popularity of Kirkland-branded products, the recall has gained attention beyond the affected states. Customers in unaffected areas have also expressed concern, leading the company to clarify that only specific batches are impacted.
Shoppers have taken to social media to share their concerns and, in some cases, their experiences. While no injuries have been reported, some users posted about bottles leaking or making unusual popping sounds when handled.
Many Costco loyalists expressed disappointment but praised the company for its swift response. Refunds have reportedly been processed without issue, reinforcing Costco’s reputation for customer-friendly policies. Still, the recall raises questions about quality control in the supply chain, especially for imported goods sold under private labels.
In its recall notice, Costco stated:
“The safety of our members is always our top priority. We are recalling select bottles of Kirkland Signature Prosecco DOCG due to the risk of glass breakage. We urge members not to consume this product and to return it for a full refund at their nearest Costco warehouse.”
The retailer has also provided additional safety guidance: customers are advised to store bottles away from heat and handle them carefully until they can be returned.
The Costco recall highlights a broader challenge faced by the global wine industry: maintaining quality control across long supply chains. Sparkling wines like prosecco are particularly vulnerable to issues because of their carbonation levels and temperature sensitivity.
Industry experts say this recall could prompt more stringent checks on imported wine shipments, particularly for bulk retailers like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart. Ensuring consistent storage conditions during shipping—especially in warmer U.S. states—may also become a larger focus moving forward.
For Costco members who purchased Kirkland Prosecco in recent months, the steps are straightforward:
- Stop consuming immediately – Do not attempt to open the bottles if they show signs of bulging, leaking, or cracking.
- Handle with caution – Store in a cool place away from sunlight until returning.
- Return to Costco – Bring bottles to the warehouse customer service desk for a refund. No proof of purchase is required.
- Monitor updates – Costco has advised customers to check its website or in-store notices for any updates on the recall.
This is not the first time Costco has faced a product recall. As a major retailer with a wide array of private-label products, occasional recalls are inevitable. In recent years, Costco has recalled items ranging from frozen foods to household goods, usually citing safety concerns.
The company is often commended for transparency and speed in addressing these issues, helping maintain consumer trust. Experts believe Costco’s proactive handling of this Prosecco recall will minimize long-term damage to its brand reputation.
Food safety and wine industry experts weighed in on the recall:
- Dr. Linda Matthews, Food Safety Analyst: “The recall highlights the risks of carbonated beverages, especially those imported from abroad. Costco’s swift recall is appropriate, but the industry needs tighter supply chain monitoring.”
- Ravi Singh, Beverage Industry Consultant: “Prosecco has surged in popularity worldwide, and quality control is critical. A recall of this scale could push retailers to adopt more rigorous testing before products hit the shelves.”
While recalls can damage consumer confidence, Costco’s history of loyal customer relationships may soften the blow. Many members view the recall as evidence of the retailer’s commitment to safety, rather than negligence.
In fact, some analysts suggest that Costco’s quick action may even strengthen its reputation, reinforcing the perception that the company puts customer welfare first.
The recall of Costco’s Kirkland Signature Prosecco underscores the delicate balance retailers must maintain between offering affordable private-label products and ensuring stringent safety standards. While no injuries have been reported, the potential for shattering bottles is a serious hazard, prompting a swift and decisive response.
For consumers, the recall serves as a reminder to pay attention to safety notices and handle potentially defective products with care. For Costco, it is another test of its ability to navigate challenges in the global supply chain while protecting its brand reputation.
As the investigation continues, one certainty remains: Costco’s quick recall has likely prevented accidents and reassured members that safety remains the company’s top priority.