Is There a Recall on Salmon? Here’s What You Need to Know

Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high quality protein, vitamins and minerals, salmon can be a healthy addition to anyone’s diet However, like any food product, salmon is not 100% risk-free. Occasionally, salmon products get recalled due to possible contamination or quality issues. So is there currently a recall on salmon? Let’s take a closer look.

Recent Salmon Recalls in the U.S.

There have been a few notable salmon recalls over the past couple years:

• In November 2021, three brands of cold-smoked salmon lox were recalled in four states because they might have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The goods that were recalled were sold under the names Tony’s, Aqua Nova, and North Coast.

• August 2022 Salmon’s Meat Products voluntarily recalled several of their ready-to-eat meat products, including smoked salmon sold at retail locations in Wisconsin This was considered a Class I recall due to evidence of Listeria monocytogenes contamination

• January 2023: Legend Seafood recalled its Salmon Roe product due to insufficient acidification during processing. Low acidity can allow the growth of Clostridium botulinum spores and toxin production.

So while major nationwide salmon recalls are not extremely common, they do sporadically occur when contamination or food safety issues are discovered Companies take these recalls very seriously to prevent foodborne illnesses

Watch Out for Listeria Monocytogenes

The most common reason for salmon recalls is the detection of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Listeria can live in the intestines of fish like salmon and contaminate meat during processing.

When ingested, Listeria can cause an illness called listeriosis. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Listeriosis is especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, it can lead to septicemia, meningitis, miscarriage, stillbirth or even death.

Thankfully, proper cooking and handling of salmon can kill Listeria bacteria. But for ready-to-eat smoked salmon, contamination is still a risk. Companies test regularly for Listeria and issue recalls when found.

Other Potential Contaminants

In addition to Listeria, salmon can potentially become contaminated by:

• Pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus
• Viruses like hepatitis A
• Parasites like Anisakiasis roundworms
• Toxins like histamine, ciguatoxin or botulinum
• Heavy metals like mercury
• Chemicals like PCBs

Proper processing, freezing, packaging, storing and transporting of salmon products are vital to prevent contamination. Government agencies regularly inspect seafood facilities to ensure safe food handling.

When risks are identified, companies immediately issue recalls, as Legend Seafood did in 2023 upon finding insufficient acidity levels in their salmon roe.

How to Stay Updated on Salmon Recalls

Major recalls will get a lot of attention in the news and online, but it’s still a good idea to stay informed. Here are some ways to stay up-to-date:

• Check the FDA’s recall website regularly.

• Follow the social media accounts of health agencies like the USDA, FDA, CDC.

• Opt-in for email notifications from government food safety newsletters.

• Follow your favorite salmon brands online to get notified directly of any recalls.

• Check the safety section of food websites.

• Keep all salmon packages until fully consumed so you can check batch codes.

• Call the store or manufacturer with any questions or concerns about a salmon product.

What to Do During a Salmon Recall

If you discover you have recalled salmon products in your home, follow these steps:

• Immediately discontinue use/consumption of the product.

• Check the recall notice for disposal instructions. Often you will be advised to throw the product away in a secure garbage can.

• If you have consumed the recalled product, monitor your health for any symptoms of foodborne illness. Seek medical treatment if needed.

• Wash hands, surfaces, utensils that may have touched the recalled product.

• Follow instructions in the recall notice regarding refunds or replacements offered.

• Notify the store where you purchased the recalled salmon.

• Report any illness or reaction to the FDA and manufacturer.

By following safety precautions and staying informed, you can enjoy salmon while minimizing the unlikely risk of foodborne illness. Monitor recall alerts, purchase salmon from reputable sellers, store it properly and cook it thoroughly. Taking these simple steps will allow you to gain salmon’s many nutritional benefits with confidence.