Costco is recalling one batch of Kirkland Signature Real Heavy Whipped Cream, the 15-ounce aerosol can, because it may contain a small amount of a cleaning chemical. The cans were sold between October 11 and October 31, 2026 at Costco warehouses in 12 states in the Midwest and Southeast, and members can return them for a full refund.[1][2][3] A can is only part of the recall if it shows item code AC50, a best-if-used-by date of April 2, 2027 and a printed timestamp between 00:35 and 02:45.[3][4]
 | |
| Product | Kirkland Signature Real Heavy Whipped Cream, 15 oz (425 g)[3][4] |
|---|---|
| Costco item | #1777000, sold singly and in 3-packs[1][3][4] |
| Item code | AC50[3][4] |
| Best if used by | 04/02/2027[3][4] |
| Timestamps | 00:35 to 02:45[2][3][4] |
| Sold | October 11 to 31, 2026[2][3] |
| States | AL, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, MO, MS, NC, SC, TN, WI[2][3] |
| Problem | Possible small amount of a cleaning chemical[2][4] |
| Made by | Alamance Foods[2][4] |
| Illnesses | No serious adverse effects needing medical care reported[2][3][4] |
| Remedy | Full refund at Costco[2][4] |
What is being recalled
The product is Costco's own-brand canned whipped cream, Kirkland Signature Real Heavy Whipped Cream, in the red and white 15-ounce (425 g) can.[3][4] Costco lists it on its recalls page as "Kirkland Signature Heavy Whipped Cream (Item #1777000) Select Locations in the Midwest and Southeast".[1] The cans were also sold in three-packs, so check every can in a multipack, not just one.[3][4]
It is a single batch. The producer, Alamance Foods, said: "We have learned that one batch of Kirkland Signature Whipped Cream may contain a small amount of a cleaning chemical."[2] Neither the notice nor the coverage so far names the chemical or explains how it got into the cans.[3]
How to check your can
Only one batch is affected, so most cans in people's fridges are fine. To be part of the recall, a can has to match all of these details from the notice:[3][4]
| Detail | Recalled batch |
|---|---|
| Product | Kirkland Signature Real Heavy Whipped Cream, 15 oz |
| Item number | 1777000 |
| Item code | AC50 |
| Best if used by | 04/02/2027 |
| Printed timestamp | between 00:35 and 02:45 |
| Bought | October 11 to October 31, 2026, at a Costco in one of the 12 states |
The timestamp is the detail people tend to miss. It is printed on the can, and the recalled range covers a window of a little over two hours.[2][4] A can with the same best-by date but a timestamp of, say, 03:10 is outside this recall.
If you bought cans at Costco after October 31, or outside the 12 states listed below, the notice does not cover them.[1][2]
Which states are affected
The batch was sold at Costco warehouses in 12 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin.[2][3][4] That is seven states in the Southeast and five in the Midwest. Costco's own description is "select locations in the Midwest and Southeast", which may mean not every warehouse in those states received the batch.[1]
Is it dangerous?
So far the reports describe an unpleasant product rather than a medical emergency. Alamance Foods said members "have reported a chemical smell and taste, but no serious adverse effects requiring medical care have been reported."[2] Good Housekeeping and Delish both report the same line from the notice.[3][4]
That is not a reason to use it up. The advice in the notice and in the coverage is simple: do not eat it.[4] If you have already eaten some and you feel unwell, contact your doctor, Good Housekeeping advises.[4] We are not doctors, and because the chemical has not been named, nobody outside the company can say what symptoms to expect.
How to get a refund
Take the can back to your local Costco for a full refund.[2][4] Costco is also writing to members whose purchase records show that they, or an add-on member on their account, bought the batch; the letter is dated November 7.[3][4] If you have questions, Alamance Foods asks people to email customer.care@alamancefood.com.[2][3]
Why the FDA has not posted a notice
This recall started with the company. Good Housekeeping noted on November 10 that Costco had listed the recall but the US Food and Drug Administration had not posted a notice for the product.[4] When we checked the FDA's recall feed on November 13, there was still no entry for Alamance Foods or Kirkland whipped cream.[5] For now, the Costco recalls page is the main official reference.[1]
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 11 to 31, 2026 | The batch is sold at Costco warehouses in 12 states[2][3] |
| November 7 | Alamance Foods letter to Costco members announces a voluntary recall[3][4] |
| November 10 | National food sites report the recall[3][4] |
| November 12 | Regional outlets in recall states, including WRAL in North Carolina, carry it[2] |
| November 13 | No FDA notice in the agency's recall feed[5] |
What it means for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 26, and whipped cream on pumpkin pie is a big part of why cans like this sell in bulk in November. The good news for anyone shopping now is that the recalled cans were sold in October. Cans bought this month are outside the stated sale window, though it is still worth a quick look at the code before the big day.[2][3]
If you stocked up early in October in one of the 12 states, check the cans now rather than on the morning of the meal, so you have time to return them and buy a replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Which Costco whipped cream is recalled?
Kirkland Signature Real Heavy Whipped Cream, 15 oz, item 1777000, item code AC50, best if used by 04/02/2027, with a timestamp from 00:35 to 02:45.[3][4]
Why was it recalled?
One batch may contain a small amount of a cleaning chemical. Members reported a chemical smell and taste.[2][4]
Has anyone been hurt?
The producer says no serious adverse effects requiring medical care have been reported.[2][3]
Is my state included?
Only if you bought it in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee or Wisconsin.[2][3]
References
- Costco. "Recall Notice: Kirkland Signature Heavy Whipped Cream (Item #1777000) Select Locations in the Midwest and Southeast". Costco recalls page. Retrieved 13 November 2026.
- WRAL. "Whipped cream sold at Costco recalled in NC, other states ahead of Thanksgiving". 12 November 2026.
- Delish. "Costco Kirkland whipped cream recall". 10 November 2026.
- Good Housekeeping. "Costco Announces Recall of Popular Kirkland Item Ahead of Thanksgiving". 10 November 2026.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts RSS feed. Checked 01:33 GMT, 13 November 2026.