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Salmon Recall Expands: Listeria Concerns Grow

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. almon-recall-expands-listeria-concerns-grow.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 3:19 GMT by TheHealthSite
      Locale: Alaska, UNITED STATES

Saturday, February 14th, 2026 - A previously reported recall of frozen Atlantic salmon has expanded in scope, raising further concerns about the potential health risks posed by Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Originally focused on products distributed in seven Midwestern states - Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin - health officials are now investigating potential distribution to additional regions. The initial recall, announced in early February 2026 following positive tests conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) in late 2025, targeted specific lot numbers of frozen Atlantic salmon distributed by Atlantic Seafood Co. between September 25, 2023 and January 8, 2024. This updated report details the evolving situation and provides crucial information for consumers.

The Broadening Investigation & Potential Scope of Contamination

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is leading a comprehensive investigation into the source of the Listeria contamination, which extends beyond the initial identified lots. While the first detection occurred during routine sampling of products at a Michigan distribution center, trace-forward investigations have revealed the potential for wider distribution. The FDA is currently examining Atlantic Seafood Co.'s entire supply chain, including sourcing practices, processing facilities, and transportation protocols, to pinpoint the origin of the pathogen. Preliminary findings suggest a potential issue with a specific supplier of raw salmon, though this remains unconfirmed. The agency is also collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor reported cases of Listeriosis - the illness caused by Listeria monocytogenes - and identify any potential links to the recalled salmon.

Listeria: A Silent Threat, Especially to At-Risk Groups

Listeria monocytogenes is a particularly dangerous bacterium because it can grow at refrigeration temperatures, making it difficult to eliminate through standard storage practices. Unlike many foodborne illnesses which cause immediate and obvious symptoms, Listeria infections can have a long incubation period, sometimes taking up to 70 days to manifest. Symptoms commonly include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, for vulnerable populations - pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems - the consequences can be severe. In pregnant women, Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Older adults and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of developing invasive Listeriosis, which can cause meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia (blood poisoning), both of which can be fatal.

Consumer Action & Safety Recommendations

Consumers are strongly urged to check their freezers for any frozen Atlantic salmon products bearing the Atlantic Seafood Co. label and falling within the recalled lot numbers. Even if the 'use by' or 'best before' date has passed, the product should be considered potentially contaminated and discarded immediately. Do not taste or attempt to cook the salmon, as this will not eliminate the Listeria bacteria. Proper disposal is critical. Seal the salmon in a plastic bag, and dispose of it in a sealed trash can to prevent animals or other individuals from accidentally consuming it.

Beyond discarding the product, thorough cleaning and sanitization are paramount. Any surfaces - countertops, cutting boards, utensils, refrigerator shelves - that may have come into contact with the recalled salmon must be meticulously cleaned with hot, soapy water, followed by a sanitizing solution. This prevents cross-contamination of other food items. The FDA recommends using a bleach solution (one tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water) as an effective sanitizing agent.

Moving Forward: Enhanced Food Safety Protocols

This recall highlights the ongoing need for robust food safety protocols throughout the seafood industry. Experts are calling for increased frequency of random sampling and testing, particularly for ready-to-eat products like frozen salmon. Improved traceability systems, utilizing technologies like blockchain, are also being advocated to enable faster identification and isolation of contaminated products. Atlantic Seafood Co. has voluntarily suspended production of the affected lot numbers pending the completion of the FDA's investigation and implementation of corrective actions. The FDA is expected to announce further updates and expanded recall information as the investigation progresses. Consumers can find the latest details on the FDA website ([ https://www.fda.gov ]) and by contacting Atlantic Seafood Co. directly.

Prioritizing food safety is not merely a matter of convenience; it's a matter of public health. Vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines are essential to protect ourselves and our families from the potentially devastating consequences of foodborne illnesses.