At a glance:
- Costco recalls Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon due to potential listeria contamination.
- Affected products were purchased between October 9 and October 13, with lot number 8512801270.
- The recall follows a similar voluntary recall by supplier Acme Smoked Fish Corp.
Costco has issued a recall for its Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon after concerns about possible listeria contamination. The recall affects salmon purchased between October 9 and October 13, specifically those with the lot number 8512801270. Customers are encouraged to return the affected packages to Costco for a full refund.
The recall was prompted by Costco’s supplier, Acme Smoked Fish Corp., which voluntarily recalled the product after detecting potential listeria bacteria. So far, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the salmon recall, but the precaution highlights growing attention to food safety concerns.
Listeria Risks and Previous Incidents
Listeria, a bacteria that can contaminate food, is a serious health concern, leading to listeriosis—a severe infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria is a leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States.
This latest recall comes after a year marked by several high-profile food safety incidents. In July, a listeria outbreak led to a recall of over 7.2 million pounds of deli meats, including Boar’s Head products, causing multiple deaths and hospitalizations. These incidents have led to increased monitoring and testing within the food industry.
Rise in Recalls Reflects Heightened Safety Measures
October has seen several food recalls related to listeria concerns, including chicken taco kits from Sprouts Farmers Markets and frozen breakfast items from Treehouse Foods. Another significant recall involved BrucePac’s ready-to-eat meat products due to similar contamination concerns.
While there has been a noticeable uptick in food recalls, experts suggest this may indicate better testing and early detection rather than an increase in contamination. Recalls serve as a preventative measure, often conducted when a potential issue is discovered before illnesses are reported.
The CDC’s data shows that about 1,600 people are infected with listeria each year in the United States, resulting in approximately 260 deaths. This reinforces the importance of prompt recalls to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses.
Customers seeking more information about food safety or potential recalls can contact the USDA Food Safety Hotline at 888-674-6854.