Atlantic Salmon Recalled Over Listeria Concerns
Slade Gorton & Co., Inc. has issued a recall for one lot of Wellsley Farms Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon sold at BJ’s Wholesale Club. The recall was initiated due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The action highlights ongoing food safety challenges within complex supply chains.
The specific lot number in question is 3896, sold in 2-pound bags at BJ's stores across Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The products were available for purchase between January 31 and February 7, 2026. The contamination was discovered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through a random sampling program. *Listeria monocytogenes* can survive and grow in refrigerated temperatures, making it a persistent challenge in ready-to-eat foods like smoked and frozen salmon. The bacterium is widespread in environments like soil and water and can establish itself in food processing facilities, leading to cross-contamination. Studies have shown that while raw fish can be a source, persistent environmental strains within a plant are often the primary cause of contamination in the final product. For most healthy individuals, a *Listeria* infection may cause short-term symptoms like fever, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. However, the infection, known as listeriosis, can be severe and sometimes fatal for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. It poses a significant risk to pregnant women, as it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infections in newborns. This is not the first time Slade Gorton & Co., Inc. has dealt with food safety issues. In June 2017, the company recalled several tilapia products due to the presence of undeclared milk, a potential allergen. Additionally, the company previously recalled cooked and frozen langostinos due to potential *Listeria* contamination. As the importer, Slade Gorton & Co., Inc. is responsible for ensuring the safety of the products they distribute. The company has stated it is investigating the cause of the contamination and taking steps to prevent a recurrence. This investigation typically involves working with the FDA to trace the product's journey through the supply chain to identify the point of contamination. BJ's Wholesale Club, which sells the salmon under its Wellsley Farms private label, is directly notifying members who purchased the affected lot. Retailers like BJ's have their own set of protocols for their private label suppliers, which often include requirements for third-party food safety audits and adherence to a vendor code of conduct. These measures are designed to ensure that their suppliers are meeting quality and safety standards.
