The seafood section at your local Costco might be looking a little barren, and with good reason. The retailer has been forced to recall its Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke over possible listeria contamination. This recall comes amidst concerns regarding the green onions used in the dish, identified as the potential source of the bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes.
These concerns were brought to light after routine testing by the manufacturer Western United Fresh Co., also known as Annasea Foods Group, which promptly issued the recall. The recall pertains to over 3,000 pounds of the product, which was sold in Costco deli sections. While no illnesses have been reported so far, the risk posed by Listeria can't be underestimated, and customers are urged to not to risk eating any potentially contaminated tuna poke.
The impacts of Listeria are not something to take lightly, especially for certain populations. Symptoms can range from fever and muscle aches to nausea and vomiting. According to the Miami Herald, listeriosis, the infection caused by ingesting Listeria, "kills about 260 of the estimated 1,600 people it infects in the United States each year." The most vulnerable groups include pregnant women, who could suffer miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as older adults and infants.
As part of the recall details shared by New Food Magazine, the affected product carries a 'sell by' date tomorrow, and was distributed to no less than 32 states, which includes California, New York, and Texas. Costco has invited its customers to to bring back any purchased product for a full refund. This inclusive approach keeps customer safety at the forefront.
If consumed, close monitoring for listeriosis symptoms is advised. In the event of illness developing, seeking immediate medical attention is critical. For added information or inquiries, Annasea Foods Group has made themselves available at their customer service line and provided an email for less immediate communications. So check your fridges, and if in doubt, make the safe choice: dispose or return the product, because when it comes to food safety, it's better to err on the side of caution.
