Tejal Somvanshi
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has upgraded its October recall of Kirkland Signature smoked salmon to Class I status, indicating a “reasonable probability” that consuming the product could result in serious health consequences or death.
The recall affects 111 cases of twin-pack smoked salmon distributed to Costco locations in southeastern Florida. While the product’s November 13, 2024 best-by date has passed, health officials worry consumers may have stored the fish in their freezers.
Brooklyn-based manufacturer Acme Smoked Fish Corporation initiated the recall after laboratory tests confirmed Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Affected packages can be identified by lot number 8512801270 and UPC code 0 96619 25697 6.
“A Class I designation represents our highest level of concern,” the FDA stated, emphasizing the potential severity of listeria infection. The bacteria poses particular risks to pregnant women, newborns, elderly adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
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Listeria infection symptoms typically appear between one to four weeks after eating contaminated food, though they can develop up to three months later. Healthy adults may experience fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, causing confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 1,600 listeria infections annually in the United States, resulting in about 260 deaths. Listeria bacteria can survive refrigeration, making ready-to-eat foods like smoked salmon susceptible to contamination if processing equipment becomes contaminated.
Costco is offering full refunds for returned products. While no illnesses have been reported from this recall, consumers who believe they became sick after eating the salmon should seek medical attention and report their illness to health authorities.
This recall follows several major listeria-related food safety incidents in 2024, including the recall of 7.2 million pounds of Boar’s Head deli meats and a separate 10-million-pound meat recall by BrucePac.
