Butter Theft and Rising Prices Make Headlines Across North America
Source: DairyNews.today
Butter has become an unlikely focal point of inflation concerns in Canada and the U.S., with soaring prices, thefts, and even recalls putting the staple in the spotlight.
Canada’s “Yellow Gold”
In Canada, butter prices have surged nearly 50% compared to four years ago, reaching approximately €4.40 per block. The high value and portability of butter have turned it into a target for thieves, earning it the nickname “yellow gold.”
In Southern Ontario cities such as Guelph and Brantford, at least nine large-scale butter thefts have been reported this year, according to national news outlet CTV. In one October incident, a Brantford grocery store lost CAD$1,200 (€810) worth of butter during a nighttime heist.
“There’s a bit of a black market,” Scott Tracey, spokesperson for the Guelph Police Service, told CTV. Ads for stolen butter have reportedly appeared on social media platforms, with speculation that buyers include restaurants and bakeries struggling with inflation-driven costs for ingredients, energy, and labor.
To combat theft, some grocery stores are considering enhanced security measures, including after-hours guards and advanced surveillance. However, such efforts may increase operational costs, potentially driving butter prices higher and making black-market options even more appealing.
Beyond Inflation
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, director of Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, noted that inflation isn’t the sole factor behind rising butter prices. He highlighted a significant increase in payments to dairy farmers for butterfat—up 40-50%—which has led to the controversial practice of feeding palm oil to cows to boost butterfat production.
Palm oil use has garnered criticism for altering butter’s consistency, making it harder at room temperature, a topic of media attention in Canada for several years.
Butter Recall in the U.S.
Meanwhile, in the United States, Costco has recalled more than 79,000 pounds of its Kirkland Signature Butter due to labeling errors that may lack allergen warnings. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as “Class II,” meaning consumption could cause temporary or medically reversible health issues for those with milk allergies.
Although affected labels list cream as an ingredient, they omit the legally required “Contains milk” statement. While the FDA recommends disposing of the product, it is expected many consumers without milk allergies will still use the butter, as the issue poses no quality or safety risk to the general public.
A Symbol of Soaring Costs
Butter’s rising prices and related challenges reflect broader struggles with inflation, supply chain pressures, and agricultural practices. As consumers and businesses navigate these issues, the humble block of butter has become a symbol of both economic strain and adaptation across North America.
In Canada, butter prices have surged nearly 50% compared to four years ago, reaching approximately €4.40 per block. The high value and portability of butter have turned it into a target for thieves, earning it the nickname “yellow gold.”
In Southern Ontario cities such as Guelph and Brantford, at least nine large-scale butter thefts have been reported this year, according to national news outlet CTV. In one October incident, a Brantford grocery store lost CAD$1,200 (€810) worth of butter during a nighttime heist.
“There’s a bit of a black market,” Scott Tracey, spokesperson for the Guelph Police Service, told CTV. Ads for stolen butter have reportedly appeared on social media platforms, with speculation that buyers include restaurants and bakeries struggling with inflation-driven costs for ingredients, energy, and labor.
To combat theft, some grocery stores are considering enhanced security measures, including after-hours guards and advanced surveillance. However, such efforts may increase operational costs, potentially driving butter prices higher and making black-market options even more appealing.
Beyond Inflation
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, director of Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, noted that inflation isn’t the sole factor behind rising butter prices. He highlighted a significant increase in payments to dairy farmers for butterfat—up 40-50%—which has led to the controversial practice of feeding palm oil to cows to boost butterfat production.
Palm oil use has garnered criticism for altering butter’s consistency, making it harder at room temperature, a topic of media attention in Canada for several years.
Butter Recall in the U.S.
Meanwhile, in the United States, Costco has recalled more than 79,000 pounds of its Kirkland Signature Butter due to labeling errors that may lack allergen warnings. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as “Class II,” meaning consumption could cause temporary or medically reversible health issues for those with milk allergies.
Although affected labels list cream as an ingredient, they omit the legally required “Contains milk” statement. While the FDA recommends disposing of the product, it is expected many consumers without milk allergies will still use the butter, as the issue poses no quality or safety risk to the general public.
A Symbol of Soaring Costs
Butter’s rising prices and related challenges reflect broader struggles with inflation, supply chain pressures, and agricultural practices. As consumers and businesses navigate these issues, the humble block of butter has become a symbol of both economic strain and adaptation across North America.
