Salmon Voluntarily Recalled After Listeria Contamination Found

Giant Food Private Label Sockeye Smoked Salmon. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

A Florida-based company is voluntarily recalling a number of its salmon products due to recent testing that found some contamination with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.

Seven Seas International USA, based in St. Petersburg, said it is voluntarily recalling 540 cases of Giant Food Private Label Sockeye Smoked Salmon. The product was distributed by Giant Food in Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Delaware.

The product affected by the recall is 4 oz, packaged in a fully-printed cardboard sleeve, with a clear sleeve window to display the fish. It is meant to be refrigerated.

The packages affected by the recall have UPC 68826715832 sold with Lot number R4132, which is printed on the clear plastic vacuum bag visible through the sleeve window.

The Maryland Department of Health detected Listeria monocytogenes in one of the products after routine regulatory testing.

Listeria monocytogenes can bring about listeria infections in people and cause severe symptoms in those with compromised immune systems, with increased risk for frail or elderly and some young children. It can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms, which can include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, according to an announcement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

No illnesses have been reported as of Nov. 10. People who have purchased the affected products “are advised to immediately discard and discontinue use of the product, or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund,” reads the recall announcement.

The FDA and Seven Seas International USA are continuing an investigation into what may have caused the contamination.