The Food and Drug Administration of the United States (FDA) has issued an immediate recall of a batch of Kirkland Signature smoked salmon after laboratory tests detected the presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. This maximum-level alert urges consumers not to consume the product and to return it as soon as possible to the point of purchase, especially if it was purchased at Costco.
Acme Smoked Fish Corporation, based in Brooklyn, New York, is the company responsible for manufacturing this smoked salmon. After detecting the bacterial contamination, the company voluntarily initiated the recall process, in strict adherence to federal regulations. Below, we tell you how to identify the affected product, why it is being recalled and what steps to take if you have it at home.
How to identify the recalled Kirkland Signature smoked salmon
According to the information provided by the FDA, the recall affects 111 boxes of Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon. The packaging comes in a 12-ounce double pack, with UPC code 0 96619 25697 6, batch number 8512801270 and an expiry date of November 13, 2024.
This smoked salmon was sold between 9 and 13 October 2024, mainly at the Costco distribution center in West Palm Beach, Florida, as well as in stores in the southeastern United States. The packaging usually has a black border and the words “Smoked Salmon” in blue, along with an illustration of a fish.
The reason behind the recall of this smoked salmon due to Listeria
The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illness, especially in people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women and newborns. While healthy individuals may experience less severe symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea, more severe cases can lead to meningitis, septicemia and even miscarriage.
The presence of this bacteria in Kirkland Signature smoked salmon was confirmed on October 21, 2024 in laboratory analysis. Given this situation, the FDA has classified the alert as a Class I recall, the highest level, due to the potential risk of causing serious adverse health consequences or even death.
What to do if you bought the affected salmon
If you bought this smoked salmon at Costco during the dates indicated, it is essential that you check the batch number and UPC code on the packaging. If it matches the above information, the FDA recommends the following:
- Do not consume, even if frozen: the bacteria can survive at low temperatures, so freezing does not eliminate the risk.
- Return the product to Costco: the chain of stores offers a full refund for those who return the affected salmon, without the need to keep the receipt in most cases.
- Dispose of the product safely: if return is not possible, it is suggested that you dispose of it to avoid any risk of cross-contamination in your kitchen.
To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall, but anyone who experiences symptoms after consuming the product is advised to seek medical attention and mention possible exposure to Listeria monocytogenes.
The risks of Listeria monocytogenes and how it affects health
Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogen commonly associated with ready-to-eat foods such as unpasteurized dairy products, sausages and smoked fish. In addition to fever and muscle aches, those affected may experience stiff neck, disorientation and convulsions in cases of advanced infection.
As the bacteria is especially dangerous for pregnant women, the health authorities are insisting on complying with the recall order as soon as possible. Acme Smoked Fish Corporation is also working closely with the FDA to investigate the causes of the contamination and to reinforce its quality control processes, with the aim of avoiding future incidents.
More information and contact
For more details about the recall, consumers can contact Acme Smoked Fish Corporation directly at (718) 383-8585, available Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), or write to the recall coordinators at mkluger@acmesmokedfish.com or mranieri@acmesmokedfish.com. The company emphasizes that this recall is being carried out voluntarily to protect public health and is being done with the full knowledge of the FDA.
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