In an unexpected food safety scare, Costco has recalled its Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon in the southeastern U.S. due to listeria contamination risks. Acme Smoked Fish Corporation urging returns or discards. The products are also sold at retailers such as Walmart, Target, and others.
Details of the Recall
Costco initiated the recall of its Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon after detecting possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall specifically concerns twin packs of salmon with lot number 8512801270, purchased between October 9 and October 13, 2024, in southeastern U.S. warehouses. The move aims to safeguard consumers from potential health hazards linked to consuming the contaminated product.
The recall was communicated through Costco’s website, and affected customers were informed directly. Consumers who purchase these products are urged not to consume them and to return them to Costco for a full refund. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that Listeriosis can result in severe symptoms, particularly in pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Costco recalls several items amid listeria concerns https://t.co/AXekKTpFtG
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) October 21, 2024
Health Concerns
The contamination of the Kirkland smoked salmon poses serious health risks. Listeria monocytogenes infection can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, fever, and muscle aches. In some instances, it may result in life-threatening conditions, especially in vulnerable populations. Pregnant women face heightened risks as the infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe infection of the newborn, as noted by health authorities, “usually leads to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn,” said the CDC.
Acme Smoked Fish Corporation, responsible for producing the recalled salmon, has issued a statement indicating that they have taken precautionary measures and initiated the voluntary recall, advising consumers to return the product to the place of purchase for a refund.
Costco customers are urged to return recent recalled products over listeria contamination concerns, with some of them part of the massive BrucePac recall. https://t.co/YD1WNkaDh3
— FOX 9 (@FOX9) October 21, 2024
Broader Impact on the Meat and Poultry Industry
Besides the current situation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced similar recalls affecting over 11.7 million pounds of meat and poultry. This contamination reflects a growing concern over food safety within the meat and seafood sectors, prompting significant action across the food production industry.
“With an abundance of caution, Acme Smoked Fish Corp. has initiated a voluntary recall on certain packages of Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes,” said the CEO of Acme Smoked Fish Corporation.
Such widespread recalls serve as a reminder that stringent safety protocols are crucial in preventing bacterial contamination and ensuring public health. Government bodies and industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, taking necessary measures to contain and rectify potential risks to consumers.
