What's Happening?
Slade Gorton & Co., Inc. has initiated a recall of a specific lot of Wellsley Farms' Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects products
sold in 2-pound bags at BJ’s Wholesale Club stores across several states, including New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey. The affected lot, identified as 3896 with a UPC code of 888670025963, was available for purchase from January 31 to February 7, 2026. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered the presence of Listeria through random sampling. Although no illnesses have been reported, BJ’s Wholesale Club is proactively contacting customers who may have purchased the product. Customers are advised to call a designated hotline for refund information.
Why It's Important?
This recall underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety and the critical role of regulatory bodies like the FDA in monitoring and managing potential health hazards. Listeria monocytogenes is a serious pathogen that can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly. The recall highlights the importance of stringent quality control measures in the food supply chain to prevent contamination. It also reflects the FDA's proactive approach in safeguarding public health by alerting consumers and facilitating recalls. The incident may prompt increased scrutiny and regulatory oversight in the seafood industry, potentially affecting supply chain operations and consumer trust.
What's Next?
Slade Gorton & Co. is investigating the source of the contamination and implementing measures to prevent future occurrences. The FDA will continue to monitor the recall process and may conduct further inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. Consumers are advised to check their purchases and contact BJ’s Wholesale Club for refunds if they have the recalled product. The situation may lead to broader discussions on food safety protocols and the need for enhanced preventive measures in food production and distribution.
