Quick Read
- Costco recalled nearly 1 million Kirkland Signature Prosecco bottles over laceration risk.
- The recall spans 12 states and follows 10 reports of bottles shattering, including one injury.
- Consumers are advised not to open the bottles and to dispose of them safely for a refund.
- The affected bottles were sold from April to August 2025 at about $8 each.
Nearly a Million Bottles Recalled: Understanding the Scope
In a move that’s set to impact thousands of households across the Midwest, Costco, one of America’s leading wholesale retailers, has initiated a recall of almost one million bottles of its Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. The recall, announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is rooted in the serious risk posed by bottles that may shatter unexpectedly, presenting a significant laceration hazard to consumers.
According to CPSC documentation and statements from F&F Fine Wines International Inc. (doing business as Ethica Wines), approximately 940,000 bottles are affected. The product in question is easily identified by its green bottle, purple foil, and the prominent “Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG” label. These bottles, with the UPC 196633883742 and Costco item number 1879870, were sold between April and August 2025 at a price point of roughly $8 each.
The recall is not limited to a single region. It covers Costco stores in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. For many loyal Costco customers, this news likely comes as a surprise, especially given the popularity and affordability of Kirkland-branded wines.
What Triggered the Recall: A Closer Look at the Safety Risks
The heart of the issue lies in the bottles themselves. The recall follows at least ten documented incidents where unopened bottles shattered or broke, resulting in one reported laceration injury. The risk isn’t just hypothetical—these cases demonstrate that even untouched bottles can pose a danger, as glass can break spontaneously, sending shards flying without warning.
F&F Fine Wines International Inc., the manufacturer based in Italy, has worked with the CPSC to issue clear warnings and instructions. According to a September message from Costco, concerns about spontaneous breakage were already being monitored, but this latest recall represents an escalation, as it is now confirmed that at least one consumer has suffered an injury.
Why do bottles shatter? The exact cause hasn’t been publicly detailed, but it’s likely related to manufacturing defects or issues with the bottle’s structure under pressure. Prosecco, a sparkling wine, is stored under pressure—making bottle integrity crucial for safety.
How Consumers Should Respond: Safety First
If you’ve purchased Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG from Costco this year, the official advice is simple: do not open the bottle. Even if the bottle appears intact, the risk remains. Instead, consumers should wrap bottles in paper towels or place them in a plastic bag before disposing of them in household trash. This extra layer of protection can help prevent accidental injury during disposal.
For those seeking a refund, Ethica Wines has set up dedicated customer support channels. Shoppers can contact the company via email at [email protected] or call 786-810-7132 for instructions on reimbursement. Costco itself has also provided guidance and has previously issued notices about this product, indicating ongoing vigilance over its wine offerings.
The CPSC’s involvement ensures that the recall is being handled with the necessary seriousness and transparency. Shoppers are urged to check their purchases—especially if they reside in the affected states—and follow all recommended safety protocols.
Recall in Context: A Pattern of Safety Concerns
This isn’t the first time Kirkland Prosecco has faced scrutiny. In September 2025, Costco released an earlier warning about the same product, although at the time, no injuries were confirmed. This recall, however, is more extensive and follows concrete reports of bottle breakage and injury. The recurrence of these issues suggests a broader problem, possibly in the production or distribution chain.
For consumers, the recall raises important questions about product safety in the wine industry—especially for sparkling wines, where pressurized bottles must withstand significant internal forces. While recalls are not uncommon in the food and beverage sector, the scale of this action—nearly one million bottles—stands out.
Costco’s response demonstrates the company’s commitment to customer safety, but also highlights the complexity of managing large-scale supply chains and the challenges inherent in sourcing products from international manufacturers.
Looking Ahead: The Impact on Shoppers and Retailers
The immediate impact of the recall is clear: consumers in the Midwest and neighboring regions will need to check their wine racks and dispose of any affected bottles. Retailers like Costco face logistical hurdles in managing refunds and ensuring that recalled products are removed from circulation. Meanwhile, Ethica Wines and F&F Fine Wines International Inc. must address the root causes to prevent future incidents.
For many, this incident may prompt a reassessment of how they buy and store sparkling wines. The recall serves as a reminder that even trusted brands and products can encounter safety issues, and that vigilance is always warranted—especially when it comes to items stored under pressure.
As the holiday season approaches, the timing is particularly relevant. Prosecco is a popular choice for celebrations, and the recall may disrupt plans for gatherings and gifts. However, the swift action by Costco and the CPSC underscores the priority placed on consumer health and safety.
For further updates, consumers are encouraged to follow announcements from the CPSC, Costco, and Ethica Wines, and to report any additional incidents or injuries related to the recalled product.
While the recall of nearly a million Kirkland Prosecco bottles is a major logistical and reputational challenge for Costco and its partners, it also demonstrates the power of coordinated consumer protection efforts. By acting quickly and transparently, the retailer and manufacturer have prioritized safety over sales—a decision that, in the long run, builds trust even amid disruption.