FDA Recalls Salmon for Listeria Risk

The recalled 2-pound bags of Wellsley Farms Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon are marked with lot number 3896 and the UPC code 888670025963. The products were sold between January 31 and February 7, 2026, in BJ's stores across seven states: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The contamination was discovered after the FDA collected a random sample for testing. No illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall. However, symptoms of Listeria infection—which can include fever, headache, and gastrointestinal issues—may not appear for up to 70 days after consumption. Pregnant women, newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk for a severe illness known as listeriosis. *Listeria monocytogenes* is a particularly resilient bacteria because it can survive and multiply at refrigeration temperatures, where other pathogens cannot. Freezing also does not kill the bacteria. This makes it a persistent threat in ready-to-eat foods and facilities where cross-contamination can occur. The FDA has a three-tiered system for recalls based on the level of health risk. A Class I recall, the most serious, is for situations where there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Recalls for foods contaminated with pathogens like *Listeria* often fall into this category. Food recalls due to potential *Listeria* contamination are a recurring issue. In recent years, the FDA and USDA have announced numerous recalls for a wide range of products, including deli meats, cheeses, packaged salads, and other ready-to-eat items. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenge of controlling this pathogen throughout the food production and distribution system.