Smoked Salmon Sold In Several States Recalled Over Listeria Risk

A company is voluntarily recalling certain smoked salmon products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected products were sold in several states.

The problem with the St. James Smokehouse-branded Scotch Reserve Scottish Smoked Salmon was discovered during "routine sampling" by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, according to the company announcement on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. In it, the agency found that the finished product "contained the bacteria."

If ingested, the bacteria, L. Monocytogenes, may lead to a disease called listeriosis. As such, the company is recalling a specific Lot of the product, affecting 98 cases.

Specifically, the product affects the St. James Scotch Reserve Scottish Smoked Salmon (Product of Scotland) with the Lot number 123172 and UPC code 060022710356. These came in 4-oz packs, and were distributed to stores in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Washington State, Virginia and Wisconsin. They were also distributed in "Safeway Washington State stores," according to the FDA.

"The recall is specifically this lot ONLY, NO other products, brands or lots are associated with this recall," the announcement noted. "If consumers have products matching the above description and lot# in their possession, they should dispose of it immediately or return it to the store for a full refund."

Photos of the affected products' packaging are available on the FDA website. Those who have questions may also contact the company at 305-461-0231.

As of the announcement date, there have been no reports of illnesses related to the recall.

Listeriosis has a "range of symptoms" that can be mild to severe, according to the FDA. While mild cases may lead to symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fever and muscle aches, symptoms in more serious cases may include headache, confusion, stiff neck and loss of balance.

In certain groups, such as the elderly, young children, the immuno-compromised or those with chronic diseases, it may even lead to death.

Listeriosis is also especially dangerous for pregnant women, in whom the disease can cause "serious" pregnancy complications. Apart from the risks of miscarriage and stillbirth, their newborns may also develop "severe health complications."

"Due to the range in severity of illness, people should consult their health care provider if they suspect that they have developed symptoms that resemble a(n) L. monocytogenes infection," said the FDA.