FDA Reclassifies Kirkland Smoked Salmon Recall as Class I
Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon, initially recalled in October 2024, has now been officially classified as a Class I recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is the FDA’s highest risk level, signifying a “reasonable probability” that consumption of the affected product could lead to “serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Timeline and Scope of the Recall
The FDA’s enforcement report, dated January 22, 2025, confirms the updated classification. The recalled products were distributed to Costco retail stores and distribution centers in Florida.
Acme Smoked Fish Corp., the supplier of Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon, originally issued a voluntary recall on October 25, 2024, following concerns over Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers were urged to either return or discard affected packages.
Identifying the Affected Product
The recall applies to Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon with lot number 8512801270. The lot number is printed on the front of the package, above the “Best By” date.
Health Risks of Listeria Contamination
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can lead to listeriosis, an infection with symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
While generally not harmful to individuals with healthy immune systems, listeriosis poses a significant risk to pregnant individuals, the elderly (65+), and those with weakened immune systems, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Consumer Guidance
Consumers who purchased the affected Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon should not consume the product. Instead, they should return it to Costco for a full refund or contact Acme Smoked Fish Corp. at 718-383-8585 for further information.
A Pattern of Recalls?
This recall follows an earlier Costco recall of chicken products due to similar listeria concerns in October 2024. That recall was part of a wider national recall of ready-to-eat poultry products, affecting stores such as Aldi, Walmart, Target, Giant Eagle, HEB, Trader Joe’s, and Kroger.
Commentary by SuppBase columnist Alice Winters
The reclassification of the Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon recall highlights broader concerns regarding food safety and the frequency of listeria-related recalls in processed foods. The fact that this recall was escalated to Class I suggests significant risks, underscoring the importance of strict quality control in smoked fish production.
Key Concerns:
Delayed Reclassification: The product was voluntarily recalled in October 2024, but the FDA only now updated its risk level to Class I. This raises questions about the efficiency of regulatory response times.
Recurrent Listeria Issues: With multiple Costco product recalls due to listeria, including poultry and now salmon, this trend suggests either systemic supply chain issues or insufficient oversight at the processing level.
Brand Impact and Consumer Trust: While Costco is known for high-quality private-label products, recurring recalls could erode consumer confidence. Acme Smoked Fish Corp. also supplies other major retailers, meaning similar risks could extend beyond Kirkland Signature products.
Consumer Communication and Safety Measures: Given that listeria can survive refrigeration and pose severe health risks to vulnerable populations, manufacturers must improve communication efforts to ensure customers are promptly informed.
Industry-Wide Implications
The Costco and Acme Smoked Fish Corp. recall is not an isolated incident. The processed seafood industry has long faced challenges with contamination risks, requiring better safety measures, enhanced testing protocols, and stronger regulatory oversight.
For consumers, this incident underscores the importance of checking recall alerts and being vigilant about high-risk food products. The frequency of listeria contamination in ready-to-eat items like smoked salmon, deli meats, and pre-cooked poultry suggests an urgent need for improved food safety practices industry-wide.
