FDA Elevates Costco Smoked Salmon Recall Over Deadly Listeria Risk
FDA issues Class I recall for smoked salmon sold at Costco in Florida due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination risk.
In October 2024, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) escalated the recall of Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon sold at Costco to a Class I recall—the highest level of risk—due to confirmed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This organism can pose serious and potentially fatal risks, especially to vulnerable populations, placing this food safety incident in the spotlight for consumers, health authorities, and retailers alike.
Summary of the Costco Smoked Salmon Recall
- Product Involved: Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon (twin 12-ounce packages)
- Recalled by: Acme Smoked Fish Corporation
- Distribution: Costco Southeast Distribution Center (West Palm Beach, FL) & Costco warehouse stores in Florida
- Dates Distributed: October 9–13, 2024
- Total Cases Recalled: 111 cases
- Identification: UPC 0 96619 25697 6, Lot No. 8512801270, Best By Date: 11/13/2024
- Reason: Confirmed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
- Reported Illnesses: None to date
FDA Recall Classifications Explained
The FDA uses a three-tiered system to classify food recalls:
| Class | Risk Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Class I | Highest Risk | Situation where there is a reasonable probability that consuming the product will cause serious health consequences or death. |
| Class II | Moderate Risk | Products may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. |
| Class III | Lowest Risk | Products not likely to cause adverse health consequences. |
In this incident, the smoked salmon recall was elevated to Class I after laboratory analysis found Listeria monocytogenes in the product, prompting the FDA’s highest level of recall.
Why Listeria Contamination Is Deadly
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis—an infection that is particularly dangerous for certain groups:
- Young children
- Elderly individuals
- People with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant women—where infection can result in miscarriage and stillbirth
Symptoms of listeriosis include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Stiffness
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
While healthy individuals may only experience mild symptoms, the consequences for those at high risk can be severe and sometimes fatal. This drives the urgency behind the FDA’s recall notice and public warnings.
Details of the Recalled Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon
The product affected by this recall can be identified through the following packaging and lot information:
- Package: Twin 12-ounce units, vacuum-packed in black-bordered plastic with blue labeling and a salmon illustration
- UPC: 0 96619 25697 6
- Lot Number: 8512801270
- Best By Date: 11/13/2024
If you have purchased smoked salmon fitting this description at a Florida Costco warehouse or received it from the Southeast Distribution Center in October 2024, you are urged not to consume it and follow the steps outlined below.
Distribution Scope and Consumer Guidance
The affected salmon was shipped exclusively to Costco’s distribution channels in Florida between October 9 and October 13, 2024. Despite the product no longer being on store shelves for months, authorities are concerned that some packages may still be in consumer freezers, posing continued risk.
- Distribution Center: West Palm Beach, FL
- Retail Locations: All Costco warehouse stores in Florida
What Should You Do?
- Do Not Consume: Recalled salmon should not be eaten under any circumstances.
- Return for Refund: Consumers may return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Dispose Safely: If returning the product is not possible, discard it securely to ensure no accidental consumption occurs.
- Contact for Questions: Consumers can call 718-383-8585 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST) or email Mary Lee Kluger (mkluger@acmesmokedfish.com) or Matt Ranieri (mranieri@acmesmokedfish.com) for more information about the recall.
So far, no illnesses tied to this recall have been officially reported, but the FDA and Acme Smoked Fish Corp urge caution and swift consumer response.
Food Safety Precautions and Listeria Prevention
Listeria monocytogenes contamination is a recurring concern in industries dealing with ready-to-eat refrigerated foods, particularly smoked fish, dairy, and deli meats. The CDC and FDA recommend the following practices for consumers:
- Check recall and safety alerts for foods purchased, especially if you are part of a vulnerable population.
- Keep perishable foods refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C).
- Wash hands and preparation surfaces thoroughly before and after handling packaged fish and other ready-to-eat items.
- Discard products that match recall descriptions or are suspected to be contaminated.
FDA’s Recall Process: How It Works
- Lab Testing & Confirmation: The process starts with laboratory testing, often prompted by routine checks or complaints. In the case of Costco’s smoked salmon, routine testing confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
- Notification & Recall Issuance: The producer—in this case Acme Smoked Fish Corp—voluntarily recalled the product, notifying the FDA and the public.
- Classification of Recall: The FDA classified this as a Class I recall, indicating that the risk of severe health consequences or death is high if consumed.
- Public Alert & Recommendations: The FDA published the recall notice on its website and distributed information through public channels, including media coverage and direct notifications to retailers.
This collaborative approach ensures consumer safety and timely withdrawal of hazardous products from store shelves and households.
Recent Salmon and Seafood Recalls: A Wider Food Safety Context
Costco’s salmon recall is not an isolated incident. Other recalls of smoked salmon and seafood products have occurred due to Listeria contamination, highlighting broader industry challenges.
- Haifa Smoked Salmon & Sea Bass Nationwide Recall (2025): Vacuum-sealed cold smoked salmon and sea bass were recalled by Haifa Smoked Fish after New York State inspection revealed Listeria presence. The products were distributed nationally, with no reported illnesses at the time of recall.
- Other Costco Recalls (August 2024): Prior to the salmon recall, Costco also recalled Kodiak Power Waffles Buttermilk & Vanilla and Rock River Cattle Co. Smokey Hibachi Skirt Steaks for unrelated safety concerns.
These incidents demonstrate the importance of vigilant testing, transparent recall protocols, and rapid consumer notification in preventing widespread health risks.
Visual Guide: Identifying Recalled Salmon Product
- Front package: Black border design, blue “Smoked Salmon” lettering, illustration of a salmon
- Vacuum packed: Sealed to maintain freshness
- UPC/Barcode: 0 96619 25697 6
- Lot & Best by: Lot No. 8512801270; Best by 11/13/2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a Class I FDA recall?
A: Class I recall is the most serious and urgent type issued by the FDA, reserved for products where there is a reasonable chance of causing serious health outcomes or death if used or consumed.
Q: Is the smoked salmon recall limited to Florida?
A: Yes, the affected Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon was distributed only to the Southeast Costco Distribution Center in Florida and warehouse stores in that state.
Q: What are the risks of eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes?
A: Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in children, elderly, pregnant women (leading to miscarriage or stillbirth), and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy people may suffer short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and diarrhea.
Q: Have there been any reported illnesses from this recall?
A: As of the latest FDA update, no illnesses have been directly reported in connection with the recalled Kirkland smoked salmon.
Q: What steps should I take if I have purchased the recalled product?
A: Do not consume it. You should return the product to Costco for a full refund or discard it securely. Contact Acme Smoked Fish Corp at 718-383-8585 or the recall coordinators for any questions.
Conclusion: Vigilance and Consumer Safety
This recall of Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon at Costco serves as a stark reminder of how critical food safety vigilance is for companies, distributors, and consumers. The FDA’s rapid escalation to a Class I recall highlights the dangers of Listeria monocytogenes contamination and underscores the importance of precise identification, prompt action, and clear communication to mitigate health risks.
Consumers are urged to check their freezers and take recommended actions to protect themselves and their families. For those seeking more information, the FDA website and direct contacts provided by Acme Smoked Fish Corp offer authoritative resources.
Food safety remains a shared responsibility—prompt action and transparency are essential to prevent serious health risks associated with contaminated products.
