Over the past few months, several products have been recalled due to bacterial infections. Now, Costco, one of America’s top retailers, is affected due to a food recall that was issued. An urgent recall has been issued recently, due to a possible bacterial infection that could have fatal effects. This recall affected 33 states, and consumers are encouraged by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remain vigilant.
Details behind the recall
Consumers of the retail giant, Costco, have been issued an urgent recall warning after life-threatening bacteria were found in one of the store’s popular food products. The FDA issued this specific recall notice on Saturday, emphasising the severity of the issue and that it impacts consumers across 33 states.
As warned by the FDA, Listeria infection can trigger severe infections, especially among certain groups, and it can lead to fatal incidents. Young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems are the people who may experience severe life-threatening risks.
In addition to this, Listeria can also lead to stillbirths and miscarriages in pregnant women. For many other consumers, the symptoms of an infection will be short-term and uncomfortable but not as dangerous as it is for the aforementioned groups of people.
Some of the signs of a Listeria infection could include fever, diarrhea, stiffness and nausea. As announced by the FDA, “Western United Fish Company dba Annasea Foods Group of Kent, WA is recalling 3,314.7 lbs. of Kirkland Signature brand Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke.”
In addition, FOOD Safety experts insist that Costco consumers should not panic if they are affected by a recall. The reason for this is because many recalls are harmless. However, consumers should take every warning seriously and follow the necessary guidelines to protect themselves. Oftentimes, food manufacturers issue recalls as a precautionary measure, to prevent that there is not a foodborne illness hiding in your pantry.
However, even if the recall is merely a precaution, consumers are encouraged to always stay safe and not consume the affected items. Experts advise Costco consumers to keep a product closed if it has not been opened and to note feed it to a pet or donate it to food banks.
Anyone who has handled or opened an affected item should wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for 20 seconds. Generally, the brand will ask consumers to return the recalled product to the store where they purchased it, in order to receive a full refund. At other times, consumers are urged to throw affected products away so that no one else can eat it. Costco consumers are also urged to read the recall closely for specific instructions on how to get rid of the food item.
The affected product and locations
It has been found that a fish company that produces products for Costco’s Kirkland brand, was told Listeria may have contaminated thousands of pounds of the company’s food. This Western United Fish Company dba Annasea Foods Group issued this urgent recall after it was informed that the green onions it uses in its Kirkland products may contain this bacterium. In addition, these products were distributed across 33 states and below is a list of these various states that have been affected by the recall:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
What Costco consumers should do next
Those Costco consumers who may have additional questions about the recall, are welcome to contact Wester United Fresh at (425) 558-7809. The operation time consumers can contact is from 7:00am – 3:30pm Pacific Time, Monday – Friday, or they can email info@annasea.com.