Costco shoppers, it’s time to double-check your pantry and freezer. Costco recalled three popular items this past week due to potential listeria contamination.
Affected products include Nutristore Freeze Dried Deluxe Meat, Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon, and Krusteaz Belgian Waffles. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about these recalls, why they’re happening, and how to handle these products if they’re in your home.
1. Nutristore Freeze Dried Deluxe Meat Recall
What’s the Issue? Due to possible listeria contamination, Nutristore Foods has issued a voluntary recall for the freeze-dried grilled chicken included in its Nutristore Deluxe Meat Variety #10 Cans.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for listeriosis, can be harmful and even life-threatening, especially for vulnerable individuals like pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Product Details: The affected product is the 12-count Nutristore Deluxe Meat Variety #10 Cans, specifically impacting only the grilled chicken included in the pack. Costco item 1638795 can help you identify this product if you have purchased it. According to Nutristore, no other products or meats in the variety pack are affected by this recall.
What to Do: If you have cans from this lot, do not consume the chicken. Costco has advised customers to return these packs to any Costco location or through Costco.com for a full refund.
2. Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon Recall
Why the Recall? Acme Smoked Fish Corp., the supplier of Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon for Costco, issued a recall over concerns that the product could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeria infection can lead to symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues, posing particular risks for people with weakened immune systems.
Product Information: The impacted smoked salmon can be identified with lot number 8512801270 and comes in two packs. Costco’s item number for this product is 1267000, and the recall affects salmon bought between October 9 and October 13.
Next Steps for Customers: If you have this smoked salmon in your refrigerator, it’s best to discard it or take it back to Costco for a refund. For further questions, Acme Smoked Fish Corp. can be reached directly at 718-383-8585 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST.
3. Krusteaz Belgian Waffles Recall
Reason for Recall: The third recall involves Krusteaz Belgian Waffles, which may contain Listeria monocytogenes.
TreeHouse Foods, the producer of Krusteaz, has called for this recall due to potential contamination in products purchased over a short period in October. Listeria-contaminated food can cause listeriosis, which may be severe or even fatal for vulnerable populations.
Affected Product Information: Costco customers should look for Krusteaz Belgian Waffles in 24-count packages marked with the item number 54734.
While no specific lot number was provided, the recall focuses on packages bought between October 13 and 21.
Actions for Consumers: If these waffles are in your freezer, Costco encourages you to return them for a full refund.
For additional questions or concerns, TreeHouse Foods’ customer service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST at 1-800-596-2903.
Important Information on Listeria Contamination
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria found in these products, is known to cause listeriosis, a severe infection. Symptoms of listeriosis can vary but often include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and diarrhea
Listeria is especially dangerous for certain groups, including pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, listeriosis can spread to the nervous system, causing headaches, confusion, and convulsions.
How to Identify Affected Products
Costco has provided item numbers and specific purchasing windows for those who want to confirm their product’s status. Here’s a quick reference:
- Nutristore Freeze Dried Deluxe Meat: Item number 1638795, only affecting grilled chicken in the 12-count variety pack.
- Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon: Item number 1267000, affecting packages bought between October 9 and October 13 with lot number 8512801270.
- Krusteaz Belgian Waffles: Item number 54734, with products bought between October 13 and October 21.
For visuals, Costco’s recall page has images of each product to help consumers quickly identify recalled items.
Returning Recalled Products to Costco
Costco makes the return process simple. If you have any of these recalled products, bring them to the nearest Costco warehouse location.
Alternatively, if you ordered any of these products online, you can arrange a return through Costco’s website. Costco will provide a full refund regardless of whether the product has been opened or partially consumed.
Contact Information for Each Recall
For additional guidance or questions, each company involved in the recall has provided contact details:
- Nutristore Foods: Call 877-455-7431 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. MST or email bprecall@nutristorefoods.com.
- Acme Smoked Fish Corp. (Kirkland salmon): Phone 718-383-8585 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
- TreeHouse Foods (Krusteaz waffles): Call 1-800-596-2903 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST.
Keeping Your Family Safe
Regularly checking for product recalls protects your household from potential health risks. Costco and the associated manufacturers can offer assistance if you need more clarification about a product’s recall status or have questions.
These recalls highlight the importance of food safety and the need for vigilance in detecting potential contamination risks. While these affected items are no longer on shelves, returning any products you may have purchased is the safest approach.
Costco remains committed to food safety, and customers are encouraged to use the contact details provided if they need more information.
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