Full Breakdown
Recall of Wellsley Farms Salmon Due to Listeria Contamination
2/13/2026, 8:26:36 AM
Overview of the Recall
Slade Gorton & Co., Inc. has initiated a recall of a specific lot of Wellsley Farms' Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall affects frozen salmon sold exclusively at BJ’s Wholesale Club stores in seven states: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The affected product, identified by lot number 3896 and UPC code 888670025963, was sold in 2-pound bags between January 31 and February 7, 2026.
Health Risks Associated with Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness. While healthy individuals may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and gastrointestinal distress, the infection poses a greater risk to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can escalate to severe complications, making it crucial for consumers to heed the recall notice.
Official Responses and Actions
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that the contamination was detected through a random sample collected during routine testing. Slade Gorton & Co. is actively investigating the source of the contamination and has stated that no illnesses related to this recall have been reported to date. BJ’s Wholesale Club is directly notifying customers who may have purchased the affected salmon and is providing instructions for obtaining refunds. Consumers are advised to check their freezers and dispose of any recalled products.
Consumer Guidance
Customers who believe they have purchased the recalled salmon are urged not to consume it. Instead, they should either discard the product or return it to BJ’s Wholesale Club for a full refund. For further assistance, consumers can contact BJ’s customer service at 1-888-628-0730.
Criticism and Concerns
While the recall is a precautionary measure, some critics have raised concerns about the frequency of food recalls in the United States, highlighting the need for stricter food safety regulations. The FDA has acknowledged that most recalls are voluntary and emphasizes its role in monitoring and evaluating health hazards associated with recalled products.
Conclusion
The recall of Wellsley Farms Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon underscores the importance of food safety and consumer vigilance. As the investigation continues, the FDA and Slade Gorton & Co. are committed to ensuring that such incidents are minimized in the future. For ongoing updates, consumers can refer to the FDA's Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts page.
