Recalled salmon products have been given the highest risk classification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Netherlands-based Foppen Paling En Zalm B.V. first recalled its Smoked Norwegian Salmon Slices product in June this year after they were found to be potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The item has now been updated to a Class I risk level by the FDA, as of August 13.
A Class I recall, the highest risk level, is issued when there is a "reasonable probability" that the use of or exposure to a product could "cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
The full product details are as follows:
- Name: Foppen Smoked Norwegian Salmon Slices - Toast Size
- Number recalled: 747 cases
- Batch Number: 1205412
- Lot code: 412 printed on pack, 1205412 printed on case
- Product code: 850094
- Package size: 8.1 oz
The of the items were sold in Kroger and Payless supermarkets across 15 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia. Anyone who has purchased the product is advised to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
"At Foppen Seafood, we operate to the highest standards of health, safety and quality control," the company said in a statement. "We have taken immediate steps to address this isolated incident and we are collaborating closely with Kroger and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure a swift resolution."
Listeria is one of several bacteria that can cause food poisoning, and it can be particularly dangerous to those with weak immune systems. A recent multi-state outbreak of listeria caused by a liverwurst product killed three people this year and hospitalized more than two dozen others.
"Listeria is particularly dangerous as it can survive in refrigerators and freezers, and infected foods may not look, smell or taste different," Michelle Anstey, a food safety expert from NSF, a public health and safety organization, told Newsweek. "When contaminated food is handled, illness can spread through human touch and lack of sanitation."
"These foodborne illnesses are dangerous in that they can have severe health impacts on people, including vomiting, diarrhea, fever and, in severe cases, brain infections and blood infections," she continued. "They can be especially dangerous for those who are immunocompromised, including pregnant women, children and older adults."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that 1,600 people contract listeria across the U.S. every year, and about 260 of those infected do not survive. The CDC lists it as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the country.
Consumers with questions regarding the salmon recall can contact the company 844-646-0928 or via email supportQ1087@foppenseafood.com.
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