Costco has announced a recall for Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon over fears that it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria known to cause serious health issues. The recalled salmon was manufactured by Acme Smoked Fish Corp. and was available in Costco outlets located in the southeastern region of the country, where it has raised health issues for general consumers. This recall is directed towards buyers who purchased ssmoked salmon packages featuring the lot number 8512801270 from october 09 to 13 of the year 2024.
Acme Smoked Fish is among the biggest manufacturers of smoked fish products in the United States. On October 22, it sent out a recall notice to its customers who were affected. Customers on the other hand were also reached out to, using their purchase records, as Costco wanted to ensure that the buyers were informed right away. Recipients of the notification were instructed to cease use of the product in question and return it to the closest Costco for a refund.
Don’t miss articles: McDonald’s now says Quarter Pounder burgers are not linked to E. coli outbreak – Problem appears to be limited to a particular ingredient and geography
The contaminant at hand, Listeria, is one of the foodborne pathogens that are known to cause illnesses in healthy individuals but result to severe health complications in certain groups such as the aged, infants, pregnant women and the immunocompromised. The bacterium, when ingested can show symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, and nausea, and in worst case scenarios lead to serious health challenges like meningitis. This is heightened in pregnant women because Listeria illnesses can be very dangerous and can cause adverse outcomes such as pregnancy loss during the early or late stages of pregnancy. As individuals who are generally healthy are most of the time likely to have milder cases, the illness potential associated with infections of Listeria still explains why something had to be done immediately.
In his statement after the recall, Acme CEO Eduardo Carbajosa expressed sympathy for the contamination and reassured customers that Acme has taken proper steps to avoid the problem in the future. Additionally, Chargoba stressed that the firm has improved its quality control and quality assurance processes to reduce the risks of any more contamination.
Costco, known for its proactive handling of product recalls, used its detailed sales records to contact affected customers directly, ensuring that the recall was as effective as possible. This recall also highlights Costco’s commitment to consumer safety, as it collaborated with Acme to respond swiftly. Costco’s recall policy aligns with industry standards, which aim to quickly identify, notify, and mitigate risks associated with contaminated products on the market.
Customers can verify whether they have purchased the affected salmon by checking the lot number (8512801270) printed on the packaging. Additionally, those who may have already consumed the product are advised to monitor for any symptoms of Listeria infection and seek medical attention if they experience any severe or unusual symptoms. Proper handling and disposal are also essential to avoid cross-contaminating other foods and surfaces, as Listeria bacteria can survive in refrigerated temperatures.
For future recalls, Costco customers can stay informed through the company’s customer service line, Costco’s official website, or public health announcements from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Both Costco and the FDA publish regular updates on recalled products, helping consumers stay aware of potential health risks.
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety, especially with ready-to-eat products like smoked salmon. By responding quickly, Costco and Acme Smoked Fish underscore their commitment to consumer safety and public health. For more detailed information on this and other food recalls, consumers are encouraged to refer to FDA announcements and Costco’s official recall communications.
