Vita Smoked Salmon Recall: Listeria Contamination

Concerns about potential listeria contamination have led to the recall of thousands of packages of Vita smoked salmon, which were sold at Publix, Safeway, Meijer and other grocery stores in at least 21 states. 

The FDA announced the smoked salmon recall on August 26, indicating that the salmon may carry a risk of food poisoning due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. There have been no reported illnesses linked to the recalled Vita smoked salmon.

The recall affects about 8,088 packages of 4 oz. Vita Classic Premium Sliced Smoked Atlantic Nova Salmon sold in black vacuum-sealed packages with a SELL BY date of DEC 15 2011 01961B. The date code is located in the center of the window on the front of each package. Only packages with that specific date and code are affected by the recall.

The packages were sold at Meijer stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan; Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee; Safeway stores in Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maryland, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and the District of Columbia; Genuardi’s stores in New Jersey and Pennsylvania; Winn Dixie stores in Florida and Edgewater Produce in Chicago, Illinois. They were also sold at various grocery stores in Buffalo, New York, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and in Northeast Ohio. The recalled smoke salmon was sold on or after July 25.

Listeria infections, also known as listeriosis, pose a particular risk for children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. For pregnant women, illness from Listeria bacteria can cause miscarriages and still births. The fatality rate associated with listeriosis is about 25%.

Blood tests are usually required to diagnose listeriosis, which can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of listeriosis include muscle aches, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, severe headaches and fever. If the bacteria spreads from the intestines to the bloodstream and nervous system, it could cause meningitis and other complications.

The FDA recommends that consumers not eat any of the recalled Vita smoked salmon. Vita Food Products, Inc. asks that the recalled smoked salmon be placed in a sealed plastic bag or similar container and returned to the place of purchase. The company also asks anyone who has one of the affected packages to call the company at (800)989-8482.