Costco has issued an urgent recall for its popular Kirkland Signature Prosecco after reports that unopened bottles may spontaneously explode, creating a serious safety hazard that demonstrates yet another failure in corporate quality control processes.
Story Highlights
- Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene bottles may shatter without warning, even when unopened
- Recall affects 12 Midwestern states with bottles sold between April 25 and August 26, 2025
- Costco instructs customers NOT to return bottles but dispose of them safely at home
- Full refunds available with recall letter presentation at Costco locations
Dangerous Defect Prompts Unusual Recall Protocol
Costco issued the recall for Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene (item #1879870) after discovering that bottles could spontaneously shatter without any handling or disturbance. The defect likely stems from excessive internal pressure or flawed glass manufacturing processes. Unlike typical recalls where customers return products to stores, Costco explicitly warns against bringing these bottles back due to the severe injury risk from flying glass shards during transport.
Widespread Impact Across Twelve States
The recall affects customers in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin who purchased the prosecco between April and August 2025. This broad geographic scope indicates a significant production batch was compromised, potentially affecting thousands of households. The four-month sales window suggests the defective bottles were distributed widely before the problem was identified and addressed.
Corporate Response Highlights Quality Control Failures
Costco’s partnership with distributor Ethica Wines reveals another layer in the complex supply chain that failed to catch this dangerous defect before products reached consumers. The fact that bottles are shattering spontaneously suggests inadequate quality testing during the bottling process. While Costco is offering full refunds and has responded quickly once the problem was identified, this incident raises questions about oversight of private-label products sourced from overseas manufacturers.
Consumer Safety Instructions and Refund Process
Affected customers must carefully wrap unopened bottles in towels and dispose of them in household trash rather than attempting to transport them. Costco is processing full refunds when customers present the official recall letter at store locations. This unusual disposal protocol underscores the serious nature of the safety risk. No injuries have been reported yet, but the spontaneous shattering presents a clear danger to families, especially those with children who might be near the bottles when they explode.
Sources:
Costco Recall Notice – Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene
Delish – Costco Kirkland Prosecco Shattering Warning
WHIO – Wine Sold at Ohio Costco Stores Recalled Due to Risk of Sudden Shattering
Local 12 – Costco Issues Recall for Wine Sold in 12 States
