Consumers who recently purchased frozen salmon from BJ’s Wholesale Club should take a moment to check their freezers. A popular store brand of farm-raised Atlantic salmon has been recalled after routine federal testing detected possible contamination with Listeria bacteria. The recall affects multiple East Coast states and involves specific lot numbers and packaging details.
This article provides a detailed overview of the BJ’s salmon recall, including affected states, product identification information, potential health risks of Listeria contamination, and what consumers should do next.
BJ’s Wholesale Club has announced a voluntary recall of Wellesley Farms Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon after testing identified potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The issue was discovered during a routine inspection conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, commonly known as the FDA.
Although no illnesses or medical emergencies have been reported at this time, the presence of Listeria bacteria in food products poses a serious health concern. Out of caution, the product is being removed from store shelves across several states.
The salmon was produced by Slade Gorton & Co., Inc., based in Waltham, Massachusetts. The company is currently working to identify the root cause of the contamination and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The recall applies to BJ’s Wholesale Club locations in the following seven states:
If you purchased frozen salmon from a BJ’s location in any of these states between January 31 and February 7, you should carefully review the product packaging.
The recall specifically involves:
Consumers can find the lot number and UPC code printed on the back of the bag. Only products matching this information are included in the recall.
If your package matches the lot number and UPC listed above, do not consume the salmon.
If you have the recalled salmon in your freezer, follow these steps:
Even if the salmon appears normal in color, texture, or smell, it may still carry Listeria bacteria. Food contaminated with Listeria does not always show visible signs of spoilage.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis. Unlike many other foodborne bacteria, Listeria can survive and even grow in cold environments, including refrigerators and freezers. This makes it especially concerning when found in frozen or refrigerated food products.
Healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms such as:
Symptoms can appear within a few days or up to several weeks after consuming contaminated food.
Certain populations are more vulnerable to severe illness from Listeria infection. These include:
Individuals aged 65 and older are at higher risk of complications from listeriosis due to age-related changes in immune function.
This group includes individuals undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and those living with chronic conditions that suppress immunity.
Pregnant women face unique risks from Listeria infection. Even if symptoms are mild and resemble the flu, the infection can have devastating consequences for the unborn child. Listeriosis during pregnancy may lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, or stillbirth.
Because symptoms in pregnant women can be subtle, it is critical to contact a healthcare provider immediately if you believe you may have consumed contaminated food and begin experiencing flu-like symptoms.
The contamination was identified during a routine inspection conducted by the FDA. The agency regularly monitors food manufacturers and distributors to ensure compliance with federal food safety standards. These inspections are designed to detect potential hazards before widespread illness occurs.
The recall serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory oversight in maintaining food safety across the United States.
While this recall affects a specific salmon product, consumers can take general precautions to lower the risk of Listeria infection:
Although freezing slows bacterial growth, it does not eliminate Listeria. Proper cooking can kill the bacteria, but cross-contamination during food preparation remains a risk.
At the time of the announcement, no medical emergencies or confirmed cases of illness linked to the recalled salmon have been reported. However, recalls are often issued before illnesses occur as a preventive measure.
Consumers who have eaten the recalled product and experience symptoms should contact a healthcare professional promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are important, particularly for high-risk individuals.
Food recalls can feel alarming, but they are an important part of protecting public health. Acting quickly by checking product labels and following recall instructions can significantly reduce the risk of illness.
If you are unsure whether your salmon is part of the recall, compare the lot number and UPC code carefully. When in doubt, contact BJ’s customer service or return the product to the store.
The recall of Wellesley Farms Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon highlights the ongoing importance of food safety vigilance. Although no illnesses have been reported, the detection of Listeria during routine testing prompted swift action to remove potentially contaminated products from shelves.
Consumers in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia should review their recent purchases and avoid consuming the affected salmon. Returning the product for a refund is the safest course of action.
Staying informed about food recalls and understanding the risks associated with foodborne bacteria like Listeria can help protect you and your family.
USA Today, February 17, 2026
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, company announcement, February 12, 2026
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Statistical and general health information reflects broad trends and may not apply to individual situations. If you believe you have been exposed to contaminated food or are experiencing symptoms, consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.
Most Accurate Healthcare AI designed for everything from admin workflows to clinical decision support.