Costco recalls Kirkland Prosecco after bottles found to shatter without warning

Costco is recalling bottles of its Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene after telling customers the bottles can shatter without warning, even when unopened and not being handled.

In a notice posted on the company’s website Tuesday, Costco said the recall applies to bottles purchased between April 25 and Aug. 26 and sold at its warehouses in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The company said it will send letters to impacted customers and will provide a full refund if customers bring the letters to their nearest store.

Costco advised customers to take care when disposing of affected bottles: wrap any unopened bottles in paper towels and place them in a plastic bag before throwing them away to reduce the risk of injury from shattered glass. The recall notice did not provide a count of how many bottles were sold or detail how the problem was discovered.

The affected wines were imported from Italy by Ethica Wines, a Miami-based company. The Associated Press left a message seeking comment with both Costco and Ethica Wines; Costco did not respond to questions about whether there have been any reported injuries tied to the issue, according to the AP.

Sparkling wines such as Prosecco are bottled under pressure, and industry and safety notices have previously cited pressure-related breakage as a potential risk when bottles have defects or encounter abnormal conditions. Costco’s notice did not identify a specific manufacturing or bottling defect, and the company’s recall statement limited its guidance to disposal precautions and refund instructions.

Retail recalls typically include customer notification, return or refund procedures and guidance to avoid injury; in this case Costco said it will provide refunds to impacted customers who present recall letters at stores. The recall covers Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene sold at Costco warehouses in the listed states during the specified purchase window.

Consumers with bottles they believe may be part of the recall should check purchase dates and contact their local Costco for instructions. The company’s website posted the recall notice on Tuesday and is the primary source for additional updates and return procedures.

The recall adds to a series of product safety actions large retailers periodically take when products pose a risk to consumers. Costco’s move aims to mitigate potential injuries and to provide remedial action for customers who purchased the affected Prosecco during the spring and summer sales period.