Salmon Recall Over Potential Listeria Contamination

What's New

Multiple varieties of salmon sold by a California-based seafood company have been recalled following listeria contamination.

Ocean Group Inc., which is headquartered in Los Angeles, voluntarily initiated the recall on November 1 after environmental samples collected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yielded positive results for Listeria monocytogenes. The samples were taken from a cutting board and floor drain.

The recall has since been designated a "Class II" recall by the FDA, a classification used by the agency in which "use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."

Newsweek reached out to Ocean Group Inc. via Instagram and the FDA via email for further comment.

Why It Matters

According to the FDA, listeriosis, or an infection of Listeria monocytogenes, can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from a fever to muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. In extreme cases, people may develop confusion, loss of balance, and even compulsions.

The disease is considered especially dangerous to pregnant women and newborn babies. Miscarriage, premature delivery, and stillbirth may occur and for babies born with a listeriosis infection, severe health complications can arise.

Symptoms can appear within as little as three days of eating contaminated food but may not present for up to three months in more severe forms of the disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1,600 people contract the food-borne bacterial illness each year and 260 people die annually as a result of the infection.

What To Know

The following products distributed by Ocean Group Inc. across various retail and restaurant establishments in California are known to have been affected by the contamination:

• Bakkafrost Salmon - 5/6KG
• Norway Salmon - 6/7KG
• Bakkafrost Salmon - 6/7KG
• Hiddenfjord Salmon - 6/7KG
• Bakkafrost Salmon - 7/8KG
• Hiddenfjord Salmon - 7/8KG
• Bakkafrost Salmon - 8/9KG
• Hiddenfjord Salmon - 8/9KG

Wild King Salmon for sale at a seafood stand in Seattle (unrelated to the current recall). Ocean Group Inc. has recalled several of its salmon products after health officials detected listeria in environmental samples. Aaron M. Sprecher via AP

What Happens Next

Customers who have bought any of the affected salmon products should no longer consume the item, are advised to discard it immediately or attempt to return it to the supplier for a full refund.

Further questions about the recall can be directed to Ocean Group Inc. by calling 213-622-3677.

Anyone experiencing adverse health conditions after consuming a recalled or affected product should seek medical attention from a healthcare provider.