# Costco Recall Alert: Popular Kirkland Smoked Salmon Pulled for Listeria Risk
A significant food safety alert has been issued for a popular seafood item sold at Costco warehouses. If you’ve recently purchased smoked salmon, this is a must-read. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), in conjunction with the manufacturer, has announced a major **Costco recall** of more than 3,000 pounds of Kirkland Signature Cold Smoked Salmon due to a potential contamination with *Listeria monocytogenes*.
This recall affects a widely purchased product, and it’s crucial for consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers immediately. This article provides all the essential details you need to know: which specific product is affected, the risks associated with Listeria, and exactly what steps to take if you have the recalled salmon at home.
## What Product is Included in the Costco Recall?
The recall is specific to one particular product sold under Costco’s well-known Kirkland Signature brand. It’s essential to carefully check the packaging details, as other smoked salmon products may not be affected.
### Identifying the Recalled Item
Here are the precise details to help you identify if the product in your home is part of this recall:
* **Product Name:** Kirkland Signature Cold Smoked Salmon
* **Net Weight:** 340 grams (12 oz)
* **UPC (Universal Product Code):** 96619 15065 6
* **Affected “Best Before” Dates:** All codes from 2023 DE 20 to 2024 JA 02 (December 20, 2023, to January 2, 2024)
These details can be found printed on the product’s packaging. The recall was triggered after routine company testing discovered the presence of the bacteria. The product was distributed to Costco warehouses across Central and Eastern Canada, including Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces.
## Understanding the Danger: What is Listeria?
The reason for this extensive **Costco recall** is the potential presence of *Listeria monocytogenes*. This is not a bacterium to be taken lightly.
*Listeria* is a type of bacteria found in soil, water, and some animals, including poultry and cattle. It can contaminate raw foods, such as meats and unpasteurized milk, as well as processed foods that become contaminated after processing, like soft cheeses and cold-smoked fish.
One of the most dangerous aspects of *Listeria* is its ability to survive and grow in cold temperatures, such as those inside a refrigerator. This means that simply storing the contaminated product correctly is not enough to eliminate the risk. The only way to kill the bacteria is through cooking or pasteurization, which does not apply to a ready-to-eat product like cold-smoked salmon.
When someone consumes food contaminated with this bacterium, they can develop a serious infection called listeriosis.
## Symptoms of Listeriosis: What to Watch For
The symptoms of listeriosis can vary depending on the health of the individual. It’s important to be aware of the signs, especially if you believe you may have consumed the recalled product.
### For Healthy Individuals
Most healthy adults and children who get listeriosis will experience relatively mild, short-term symptoms. These can often be mistaken for a common flu and typically appear a few days to a few weeks after eating the contaminated food. Symptoms include:
* Fever
* Muscle aches
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
While uncomfortable, these symptoms usually resolve on their own without the need for medical intervention.
### For High-Risk Groups
The true danger of listeriosis lies in its effect on vulnerable populations. For these individuals, the infection can become invasive, spreading beyond the gut to other parts of the body and leading to severe, life-threatening complications. High-risk groups include:
* **Pregnant women:** Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection in the newborn baby, even if the mother only experiences mild, flu-like symptoms.
* **Adults aged 65 or older:** The immune system weakens with age, making it harder to fight off the infection.
* **Individuals with weakened immune systems:** This includes people with cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, or those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressant drugs.
In these high-risk groups, invasive listeriosis can lead to severe symptoms such as:
* Severe headache
* Stiff neck
* Confusion or changes in alertness
* Loss of balance
* Convulsions
If you are in a high-risk group and experience any of these symptoms after potentially consuming a recalled product, you must seek medical attention immediately.
## I Have the Recalled Salmon. What Should I Do Now?
If you have identified the recalled Kirkland Signature Cold Smoked Salmon in your home, follow these steps carefully to ensure your family’s safety.
**Step 1: Do Not Eat It.**
This is the most critical step. Even if the salmon looks and smells perfectly normal, it could still be contaminated. Do not taste it or use it in any dish.
**Step 2: Secure the Product.**
Place the product in a sealed bag or container to prevent it from cross-contaminating other items in your refrigerator or garbage.
**Step 3: Return It for a Full Refund.**
Costco has an excellent return policy, especially regarding recalls. You can return the product to any Costco warehouse for a full refund. You do not need the original receipt.
**Step 4: If You Can’t Return It, Dispose of It Safely.**
If returning the product isn’t convenient, throw it away in a secured garbage can that pets and other animals cannot access.
**Step 5: Clean and Sanitize Your Kitchen.**
*Listeria* can spread to other surfaces. It’s vital to thoroughly clean any areas where the product was stored or handled. Use hot, soapy water followed by a sanitizer (a solution of one tablespoon of unscented bleach to one gallon of water) to wash:
* The refrigerator shelf or drawer where the salmon was kept.
* Cutting boards, knives, and any utensils that may have touched the product.
* Your hands after handling the product.
## Staying Informed About Future Food Recalls
This **Costco recall** is a powerful reminder of the importance of food safety. To stay on top of future alerts, consider these resources:
* **Official Government Websites:** In Canada, the CFIA’s recall website is the definitive source. In the U.S., recalls.gov is the main portal for federal recall information.
* **Costco’s Recall Page:** Costco maintains a list of all current product recalls on its website. It’s a good practice to check this page periodically.
* **Sign Up for Alerts:** Many government agencies offer email or text alerts for new recalls, providing you with instant notifications.
By taking these proactive steps and acting quickly when a recall is announced, you can help protect yourself and your family from the risks of foodborne illness. Check your fridge today.
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