**Costco Recalls Smoked Salmon Over Listeria Contamination Concerns**

Costco has launched a recall for certain smoked salmon products due to possible listeria contamination, a bacteria known for causing severe foodborne illness. The recall affects specific packages of the retailer’s in-house Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon that were bought between October 9 and October 13, as detailed in a letter dated October 22. Affected packages bear the lot number 8512801270, which is found on the top right of the front packaging. Customers are advised not to consume these products and return them for a full refund.

The move to recall the smoked salmon was prompted by Costco’s supplier, Acme Smoked Fish Corp., after the potential presence of listeria bacteria was discovered in the product. There have been no reported illnesses connected to this issue. This recall draws attention amid growing concerns over foodborne illnesses, highlighted by recent significant outbreaks.

One notable incident was in July when Boar's Head recalled over 7.2 million pounds of liverwurst and other deli meats following a deadly listeria outbreak. This outbreak resulted in at least 10 deaths and 59 hospitalizations across 19 states. The century-old company ceased sales of liverwurst and shut down the Virginia plant at the center of the incident, facing scrutiny from lawmakers for failing to address earlier reports of potential contamination dating back to 2022.

Other food-related incidents have also raised alarms. A recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders led to 75 reported illnesses, including 22 hospitalizations and at least one death across 13 states. Additionally, an array of products including chicken taco kits from Sprouts Farmers Markets and frozen waffles from Treehouse Foods have been recalled in October for potential listeria contamination.

Experts, however, stress the importance of distinguishing between recalls and actual outbreaks. Francisco Diez-Gonzalez, director of the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia, explains that while recalls indicate detected potential contamination, outbreaks mean actual illnesses have occurred. Enhanced surveillance and testing have contributed to more frequent recalls, even if they help prevent widespread illness by preemptively removing products from the market.

The CDC estimates that about 1,600 people contract listeria annually in the US, resulting in approximately 260 deaths. With increased monitoring, companies aim to catch contamination early and prevent listeria-related illnesses. Despite the rising number of recalls, which reflect more diligent testing and surveillance, food safety processes are in place to manage potential risks.