Costco, a cherished cornerstone for millions of American families seeking quality and value, is taking heartfelt action to address a series of urgent product recalls to ensure the safety of its community. Several beloved items, including water bottles, fitness gear, power banks, and coolers, have been identified with potential risks such as bacterial contamination, fire hazards, and injuries. This compassionate response reflects Costco’s deep commitment to protecting the well-being of its customers, fostering trust and unity as we work together to create a safe and nurturing environment for all.
If you’ve recently shopped at Costco or ordered from their website, this guide will walk you through exactly what’s happening, what to do if you’ve purchased any recalled items, and how to stay safe.
Costco Urgently Recalls Popular Items
| Product | Hazard | Affected Batch/Period | Action Required | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topo Chico Water (Coca-Cola) | Bacterial Contamination (Pseudomonas) | Lot #13A2541, May 2025 – TX & LA | Return for refund | FDA.gov |
| Igloo 90-Qt Cooler | Finger Injury/Amputation | Sold 2019–2025 (1.2M units) | Request free handle repair kit | CPSC.gov |
| Anker PowerCore Batteries (A1257) | Fire Risk, Overheating | Sold 2024–2025 | Return for replacement | Anker.com |
| BowFlex Dumbbells (552 & 1090) | Weight Plate Drop Hazard | All models sold in last 2 years | Stop use and contact support | BowFlex.com |
| Danby & Midea Portable ACs | Electrical Fire Hazard | Various models nationwide | Register for repair/refund | Danby.com |
Recalls are a heartfelt reminder of our shared commitment to keeping communities safe, serving as a vital part of a caring consumer system dedicated to protecting lives. Costco’s compassionate support and generous return policy empower everyone to act swiftly and confidently to ensure safety.
If you have any of the affected items, we warmly encourage you to promptly return, replace, or repair them. Share this knowledge with your loved ones, fostering a connected and informed community. Together, with calm and caring action, we can nurture a safe and supportive environment for all.
What’s Going On: A Closer Look at the Risks
These aren’t minor product defects. Each item listed poses a measurable health or injury risk, and Costco, alongside federal regulators, has responded with full recalls.
Topo Chico Water
Contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, this bacteria can cause infections—particularly dangerous for kids, seniors, and the immunocompromised. Affected bottles were sold May 20–29, 2025 in Texas and Louisiana.
Igloo Coolers
The popular 90-qt cooler’s handle has snapped shut on unsuspecting fingers, causing severe lacerations and amputations. Over 1.2 million units are impacted.
Anker Batteries
The portable battery pack PowerCore A1257 can overheat or ignite, especially while charging overnight or in hot environments.
BowFlex Dumbbells
Multiple users have reported weight plates detaching mid-lift, posing risks of foot, hand, or head injury—particularly in home gyms.
Danby & Midea AC Units
The CPSC flagged these portable air conditioners for overheating and electrical fires, particularly under prolonged use.
Visual Recall Checklist
Here’s your 5-minute safety sweep:
- Check receipts or Costco.com account for recent purchases
- Locate product model or lot number
- Compare against recall list (above)
- Stop using affected items immediately
- Follow official return/refund/repair process
Bonus tip: Costco does not require a receipt for returns on most recalled items.
What Costco Says: Brand Response
Costco has cooperated fully with manufacturers and federal agencies, issuing refunds and recall alerts through its official product recalls page.
In a public statement, the company emphasized:
“We take product quality and consumer safety extremely seriously. Members can return affected items at any time, no questions asked.”
State-by-State Impact: Where Recalls Hit Hardest
While all recalls are nationwide, the Topo Chico bacterial contamination was region-specific:
| State | Affected Item | Primary Hazard |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Topo Chico bottles | Pseudomonas bacteria |
| Louisiana | Topo Chico bottles | Pseudomonas bacteria |
| California | Danby A/C units | Fire risk |
| Florida | BowFlex dumbbells | Injury risk |
| Nationwide | Anker Batteries & Coolers | Various |
Your Legal Rights: What You’re Entitled To
Under U.S. Consumer Protection Law, you’re entitled to:
- A full refund or safe replacement for recalled products
- Free shipping for returns (if bought online)
- Repair kits for fixable items (e.g., coolers)
- No time limit (in most cases)
Need help? Contact the Better Business Bureau or your state’s consumer protection office.
Throwback: Major Costco Recalls Over the Years
Costco has a solid track record of acting quickly. Some historic recalls include:
- Kirkland Organic Strawberries (2023) – Linked to Hepatitis A
- Ninja Foodi Pressure Cookers (2024) – Pressure lid failure risk
- Polaris Pool Cleaners (2023) – Electrical shock hazard
- Kingsford Charcoal Lighters (2022) – Fire risk with leaky caps
Each was resolved swiftly with wide-scale returns and manufacturer support.
Tools & Resources for Safety-First Shoppers
Stay ahead of future recalls with these free resources:
- FDA Food Alert Email Signup
- CPSC Product Safety App
- SaferProducts.gov – Search product recalls
- Use Costco’s mobile app to scan receipts & track purchase dates
Related Links
Zoox Issues Second Recall After Robotaxi Crash in San Francisco – Is This Innovation Safe?
Ford Recalls Popular Trucks Due to Fire Risk — These Are the Affected Models
Hyundai Secretly Reveals Project Initium — This Futuristic Tech Could Outrun Tesla And Chevy
Career Spotlight: Keeping America Safe
Love digging into safety issues like this? Here are jobs that put you on the front lines:
| Career | What You Do | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Product Safety Analyst | Test and review consumer goods | $65K–$90K/year |
| FDA Recall Coordinator | Oversee national food/pharma recalls | $75K–$110K/year |
| CPSC Investigator | Enforce compliance and safety laws | $70K–$95K/year |
| Public Health Inspector | Monitor hazards and inspect vendors | $60K–$85K/year |
FAQs
Q: What if I already used the product—am I at risk?
If no symptoms (infection, injury) show, you’re likely fine. Still, consult a healthcare provider if concerned.
Q: Will Costco contact me about recalls?
Only if you registered the product online or purchased it with a Costco membership login.
Q: Can I still return a recalled product if it’s opened or used?
Yes. Costco’s return policy is famously lenient, especially with recalls.
Q: What happens if I ignore a recall?
There are no penalties—but you risk injury or property damage. Some products may even be disabled remotely (e.g., smart batteries or devices).
