No Current Recall for Kirkland Walnuts in October 2025
As of October 2025, there is no active, official recall on any Kirkland Signature brand walnut products sold by Costco in the United States or Canada. While significant recalls of walnuts have occurred in recent years, they have not been associated with the Kirkland brand. The most recent and relevant recall was a quality-related issue in 2022, not a health safety risk.
The 2022 Kirkland Walnuts Quality Recall
The most recent official recall concerning Kirkland Signature shelled walnuts took place in October 2022. This recall was initiated due to a customer-reported issue of a "stale taste and rancid smell". Costco responded by recalling the affected product from store shelves and offering full refunds to customers who had purchased the specific lots.
Details of the 2022 Quality Recall
- Reason: The recall was for a quality issue, specifically rancidity, which is caused by the oxidation of the nuts' healthy fats. While unpleasant, this is generally not considered a food safety risk comparable to bacterial contamination.
- Affected Product: Kirkland Signature Shelled Walnuts (3 lb bags).
- Affected Lot Codes and Best Before Dates:
22243-4Bwith Best Before date: May 31, 202322264-4Bwith Best Before date: June 21, 202322271-4Bwith Best Before date: July 28, 202322277-4Bwith Best Before date: July 04, 2023
Clarifying Recent Bulk Walnut Recalls (Non-Kirkland)
In April 2024, the FDA and CDC investigated a multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to organic walnuts. This recall was traced back to Gibson Farms, Inc., and affected bulk organic walnut halves and pieces. These were sold at natural food stores and co-ops in multiple states, not as a Kirkland-branded product. It's important to distinguish this health safety recall from the earlier Kirkland quality issue. The Gibson Farms walnuts did have expiration dates that extended into mid-2025, which can be a source of confusion for consumers. Other, smaller recalls have also occurred, such as for undeclared allergens in Emerald Kettle Glazed Walnuts in late 2024 and Listeria in Stutz Packing Company walnuts in July 2024, but these were unrelated to the Kirkland brand.
Product Quality vs. Health Risk Recalls
Understanding the difference between a quality recall and a health risk recall is crucial for consumer awareness.
- Quality Recalls: These are issued for products that do not meet a company's quality standards, such as issues with taste, smell, or packaging defects. They pose a low risk to public health. The 2022 Kirkland walnut recall was a quality recall.
- Health Risk Recalls: These are formal, urgent responses to confirmed safety issues like bacterial contamination (E. coli, Listeria), undeclared allergens, or foreign object contamination. They are typically mandated by federal agencies like the FDA and carry a high public health risk. The 2024 Gibson Farms recall was a health risk recall.
Comparison of Major Walnut Issues
| Characteristic | 2022 Kirkland Walnut Recall | 2024 Bulk Organic Walnut Recall |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Issue | Rancid taste and smell (quality) | E. coli contamination (health safety) |
| Brand Affected | Kirkland Signature | Organic walnuts from Gibson Farms, Inc. |
| Primary Retail Channel | Costco warehouses | Bulk bins at natural food stores and co-ops |
| Health Risk | Low (unpleasant taste, not typically harmful) | High (risk of severe illness) |
| Outcome | Product returned, refunds issued | Product recalled, consumers advised to discard, clean surfaces |
What to Do If Your Walnuts Taste Rancid
Despite no recent recalls, some customers continue to report a stale or rancid taste with Kirkland walnuts, a trend mentioned on forums like Reddit. Rancidity is easily detectable by a bitter, paint-like, or stale flavor and should not be consumed. To extend shelf life, storing walnuts in the refrigerator (up to three months) or freezer (up to a year) in an airtight container is highly recommended. If you are not satisfied with the quality, Costco's generous return policy allows for returns of any product that does not meet your expectations, even if there isn't an official recall.
Conclusion: Staying Informed on Kirkland Walnuts
In conclusion, consumers can be reassured that there is no active recall on Kirkland brand walnuts as of October 2025. The most significant issue in recent history was a quality recall for rancidity in 2022. It is essential not to confuse this with more recent, severe health-related recalls affecting other brands. To stay informed, consumers should periodically check official sources like the Costco recall page and the FDA's safety alerts. For long-term freshness and best flavor, proper cold storage of walnuts is the most effective preventative measure.
How to Check for Future Recalls
To proactively monitor for food safety issues, consumers can use several official resources. First and foremost, check the official Costco Recall Notices page, which lists all current and past product withdrawals and recalls. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website maintains an updated list of all food recalls and safety alerts. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also monitors recalls. Checking these sources directly ensures you receive accurate and timely information. You can also sign up for email alerts from these agencies. For any potentially affected products, it is always safest to dispose of the item and follow the recall instructions carefully.
Final Recommendations
Given the history of quality issues, combined with the normal propensity for nuts to go rancid, consumers should take proactive steps. Refrigerating or freezing walnuts immediately after purchase is the most effective way to preserve freshness and prevent rancidity. Always perform a quick taste and smell check before use, as your senses are the first line of defense against food quality issues. If the product has a stale or bitter taste, it is best to return it to Costco, leveraging their satisfaction guarantee, even without a formal recall.
Summary of Key Takeaways
While there is no active, official recall on Kirkland brand walnuts in late 2025, a recall for rancidity did occur in 2022. Health-related walnut recalls in 2024 involved other brands. Proactive cold storage is key to preventing quality issues.
