master-cooks | Costco Recalls Kirkland Smoked Salmon Over Listeria Contamination

Costco has issued a recall for its Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon due to concerns over potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This recall affects several batches of the product, which were distributed across multiple states in the United States. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can lead to serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Those who consume the contaminated salmon may experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract, leading to more serious health complications. The recall was initiated after routine testing detected the presence of the bacteria in a sample of the smoked salmon. Costco has urged customers who have purchased the affected product to refrain from consuming it and to return it to their local store for a full refund. The company is working closely with health authorities to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to protect public health. Customers can also contact Costco's customer service for more information regarding the recall. This incident highlights the importance of food safety protocols and the need for vigilance in food production and distribution processes.

Why listeria is a concern

The recent recall of smoked salmon is part of a series of recalls issued by Costco due to concerns over listeria, which also includes a recall of frozen waffles announced on October 18, 2024. However, Costco is not the only company to raise alarms about potential bacterial contamination in their products. Earlier this month, nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken items were recalled from stores due to listeria concerns.

Listeria can lead to severe illness and even death, particularly affecting young children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of this foodborne illness include diarrhea, fever, headaches, and nausea. According to the CDC, approximately 1,600 people in the U.S. are infected with listeria each year. The bacteria are most often found in deli meats and unpasteurized milk and can survive in both refrigerators and freezers.

Costco Recalls Kirkland Smoked Salmon Over Listeria Contamination

Why listeria is a concern

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