In June 2024, Costco issued a recall for Tillamook Monterey Jack and Colby Jack cheese slices after receiving customer reports about finding gray and black plastic pieces in the cheese. In response, Costco promptly removed these products from its shelves. While there is no confirmed Costco cheese recall settlement, discussions on possible compensation have surfaced.

At Sparrow, we offer comprehensive support for navigating product recalls and filing claims. With extensive experience in product safety cases, we’ve assisted clients through numerous recalls, ensuring they get the compensation they’re entitled to—whether it’s a food recall or another consumer safety issue like the Ozempic class action settlements.

Using our in-depth knowledge, we’ve crafted this guide to help you understand the Costco cheese recall settlement. We’ll break down the details, explain your rights, and show you how to file a compensation claim.

Let’s get started!

Overview of the Costco Cheese Recall

In June 2024, Costco, a popular membership-based retailer, issued a recall for Tillamook Monterey Jack and Colby Jack cheese products after plastic pieces were found 32 oz. twin packs. The Costco cheese recall affected products sold primarily in the Northwest region, prompting swift action to ensure customer safety.

Costco members were informed that Tillamook Monterey Jack cheese slices were removed from shelves as a safety precaution. Mike Bever, Tillamook’s Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, explained through a written letter notice that a very small quantity of gray and black plastic pieces might be found in some Monterey Jack cheese packages.

Although the cheese was produced only for Costco locations in the Northwest region states, it is unclear how many people may have eaten it. So far, there have been no reports of illnesses or injuries. However, if any health issues related to the cheese come up, a settlement claim could be possible, raising questions about the company’s responsibility for consumer safety.

Tillamook: Company Background

Tillamook, a well-regarded cooperative based in Oregon, has been a staple in dairy production since 1909. Known for its high-quality dairy products, Tillamook operates under strict food safety protocols, but like many large food manufacturers, it has faced product recalls over the years.

Last year, Tillamook issued a recall for its Waffle Cone Swirl Ice Cream due to mislabeling, which caused undeclared wheat and soy allergens. This mistake in specific label information posed a severe risk for individuals allergic to these ingredients, prompting Tillamook to notify the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and swiftly recall the product from stores in Washington and Idaho​.

Product Recalls

Food manufacturers are responsible for identifying and addressing any issues or defects in their products that may arise after the products have been sold. In some cases, problems with a food product are only discovered when they cause harm, such as foodborne illnesses or allergic reactions. 

For example, certain ingredients or contamination risks might not become apparent until consumers start using the product. When this happens, a manufacturer may need to recall the product to ensure public safety.

Recalls allow food manufacturers to remove hazardous products from the market and offer solutions to affected consumers. Government agencies mandate some recalls, while others are initiated voluntarily by the manufacturers.

Common ground for recall include:

• Foodborne illnesses (e.g., Salmonella, Norovirus, Listeria)
• Allergic reactions
• Physical injuries
• Severe Illnesses

Tillamook Cheese Recall

Product recalls often lead to concerns over potential legal liabilities. Companies such as Tillamook and Costco must comply with regulatory agencies overseeing food safety in the U.S. 

When contaminants like plastic or allergens are found, companies may face product liability lawsuits if consumers are harmed. While Tillamook has taken steps to address its recalls through voluntary actions and clear communication, future legal claims could arise if health issues are linked to these incidents.

Food recall lawsuits play an essential role in safeguarding consumer health and holding food manufacturers responsible for the safety of their products. When food items are contaminated or mislabeled and threaten public health, affected individuals can seek legal compensation.

Individuals suffering harm or illness after consuming a contaminated or defective food product can file a food product liability lawsuit. To succeed, plaintiffs must show that they consumed the recalled product and experienced injuries directly as a result.

Settlement Details and Consumer Compensation

As part of the Costco cheese recall, a settlement will compensate customers who bought the affected products. Here’s how the settlement will work:

Terms of the Settlement

The settlement will provide several forms of compensation:

• Refunds: Customers who purchased the recalled Tillamook cheese will be entitled to a full refund. You can return the cheese to your local store.
• Replacements: Costco will also offer a replacement product as an alternative to the refund, depending on the final terms of the settlement.
• Medical Reimbursement: While no health issues have been reported, the settlement may cover medical treatment expenses for those affected by the contaminated cheese, but only if a direct link to the contamination is proven.

Costco and Tillamook have implemented these measures as precautionary steps, with no confirmed legal claims of injury. Currently, no class action lawsuits have been filed for actual damages related to the Costco cheese recall. Both companies maintain that the contamination poses minimal health risks and emphasize their commitment to customer safety and product quality.

Who Is Eligible for Compensation?

To be eligible for compensation, customers must meet the following criteria:

• Purchase location: The affected Tillamook cheese was sold at Costco stores in the Northwest region, covering Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Idaho, and Montana.
• Purchase dates: The cheese must have been purchased between May 9 and May 31, 2024.
• Product details: The affected packages include Tillamook Monterey Jack and Colby Jack cheese slices, item number 651195 and a “Best If Used By” date of October 22, 2024.

You can still claim a refund or replacement if you no longer have the product but have a receipt or proof of purchase through your Costco membership.

How to File a Claim

Customers who purchased the affected Tillamook cheese slices can easily file a claim by following these steps:

• In-Store Returns: Bring the recalled product back to any Costco store for a refund or a replacement, depending on availability and settlement terms.
• Customer Support: If you no longer have the product or need further assistance, contact Costco’s customer service or Tillamook directly. Tillamook has also established a dedicated hotline at 855-562-3568 to assist with additional questions and concerns.

Customers are encouraged to act quickly, as these compensation options are part of the voluntary Costco cheese recall process and are intended to address the issue efficiently.

Legal and Regulatory Oversight

The Costco cheese recall 2024 incident has drawn the attention of regulatory bodies like the FDA. The FDA plays a central role in overseeing the recall of Tillamook cheese sold at Costco, ensuring proper food safety protocols are followed. The FDA has been reviewing the process and verifying that all contaminated products have been removed from shelves. 

While no legal action has been taken so far, if any consumers experience health issues due to plastic contamination, there is potential for class-action lawsuits. Such lawsuits could lead to further changes to compensation offered through the settlement.

If a class-action lawsuit is filed, affected customers could see expanded compensation beyond simple refunds, such as medical reimbursements for anyone harmed by consuming the recalled cheese. 

Tillamook has stated that the likely presence of the foreign plastic material in the Tillamook Colby Jack cheese slices poses minimal risks. Still, the FDA continues to monitor the situation closely​.

Health and Safety Measures Implemented by Costco 

In response to the Tillamook cheese recall, Costco has committed to several health and safety improvements:

Improved Food Safety Protocols

The contamination was discovered through standard food safety checks, but no specific new long-term measures or updated protocols were announced following the Tillamook recall. Tillamook stated that this action was taken “In an abundance of caution and as part of our commitment to product quality and safety at the highest levels.”

However, we expect Costco to take similar steps as they did in previous recalls, like the 2017 E. coli chicken salad incident and the 2021 Ivar’s clam chowder recall. During these events, Costco quickly implemented thorough internal audits and enhanced safety inspections. Likewise, Tillamook is known for promptly identifying risks through its existing safety checks, as seen in previous contamination-related recalls.

Enhanced Consumer Communication

Both companies quickly informed customers about the Costco cheese recall. Costco sent email notifications to customers who had purchased the affected cheese and placed in-store notices to alert others. The recalled Tillamook cheeses were sold in packages of 42 slices (which include 21 slices per flavor of Monterey Jack and Colby Jack). 

Customers were advised to “refrain from consuming it and return the package to your local Costco for a full refund.” Tillamook also reassured those who had already consumed the cheese without noticing any plastic that “no further action” was necessary, as the risk was minimal.

Ongoing Monitoring and Recalls

While Tillamook and Costco didn’t introduce any new long-term health and safety procedures following the 2024 Costco cheese recall, both stressed that they already have strict safety protocols in place. These existing measures helped them quickly detect the issue—small pieces of plastic in some cheese packages—and take immediate action by recalling the affected products.

Tillamook pointed out that the recall is consistent with their commitment to high-quality and safe products. They assured customers that this was a precautionary step, and those who bought the recalled cheese could easily return it for a refund. Despite no direct health risk reported, Costco provided easy access to refunds and informed customers through emails and store signage​.

Both companies emphasized that they rely on their current safety systems to catch and address issues like this recall, which helps protect consumers. They did not announce any new monitoring processes because they allege that their existing protocols are designed to handle these situations effectively.

Key Takeaway

So, what’s happening with the Costco cheese recall? While there’s no formal settlement yet, affected customers can still get refunds or replacements for the contaminated Tillamook cheese. No health issues have been reported, but anyone who consumed the cheese should stay informed and check back on Sparrow’s blog if further actions are announced.

If you bought the recalled cheese, you can return it to Costco for a refund, even if you don’t have the product anymore—just make sure you have proof of purchase. Future claims could be possible if health concerns arise, though that’s still uncertain.

Would you like to receive important updates about the latest class actions you may qualify for directly to your email? Reach out to Sparrow today to get notified of class actions you can join as soon as they appear and get expert assistance in filing claims and gauging the associated risks of joining class action lawsuits.