Clam chowder sold by certain Costco stores is being recalled after a consumer complained about finding a piece of sharp, hard plastic in the product.

Ivar’s Soup and Sauce Company of Mukilteo, WA, is recalling 14,968 two-pack sleeves of refrigerated Kettle Classic Clam Chowder With Uncured Bacon, Costco Item #1270666, packaged in 2-24oz sleeved packs, according to the company’s recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.

The clam chowder was distributed to Costco stores exclusively for retail purchase by consumers in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

There is concern that consumers may have unused portions of the soup in their homes because of its long shelf life. The use-by date is Dec. 22 this year.

The soup is packaged in 24-ounce clear plastic cups, in a double pack, surrounded by a printed paperboard sleeve and has a UPC 0 30383 19649 6.  The ready-to-eat soups have a use-by date displayed as 12-22-2021 printed on the bottom of the sleeve, and on the edge of the individual cup lids.

No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date.

The problem was discovered on Oct. 17 when a consumer found a piece of plastic in the container they purchased and notified Ivar’s.  

“The piece of plastic found by the consumer is in the shape of a half circle with some of the center missing, with edges that are sharp and pointed. The diameter of the circle is approximately 1 ½,” according to the recall notice. “It is possible that the remainder of the circular plastic is a similarly intact piece or numerous smaller pieces.”

The product should be removed from store shelves. Consumers should throw away the soup or return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. Consumers are urged not to eat the product.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 425-493-1402.

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