CATSMO recalls Smoked Salmon from the marketplace because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The product was distributed in these states through retail stores and direct delivery: New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Minnesota, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Massachusetts, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The potential for contamination is a result of routine FDA environmental sampling and analysis. The company is conducting an extensive correction action plan and certification program out of an abundance of caution, and has issued this recall.
The smoked salmon is sold in vacuum-sealed plastic packages in whole fillets, specialty cuts, and in 4 ounce, 8 ounce, and 1 pound sizes. They are either plain or flavored.
You can see the long list of CATSMO recalls smoked salmon products, including the batch/lot number and expiration date, at the FDA web site. Look at the list carefully. The recalled products include Nova Sliced Smoked Salmon, Gold Sliced Smoked Salmon, Pastrami Whole Smoked Salmon, Scottish Smoked Salmon, Loin Smoked Salmon, Gravelox Smoked Salmon, Bourbon Pepper Sliced Smoked Salmon, Daniel Boulud Baja Smoked Salmon, Daniel Boulud Highland Smoked Salmon, and Red Beet Smoked Salmon, among others.
If you purchased any of these products with those specific batch/lot numbers and expiration dates, do not eat them. Throw them away in a sealed package in a secure garbage can, or take them back to the store where you bought them for a full refund.
It’s a good idea to then clean your refrigerator with a mild bleach solution to kill any remaining bacteria after you discard these products. Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can grow at temperatures below 40°F and freezing doesn’t kill it. Wash your hands well with soap and water after cleaning and after handling these products. There is zero tolerance for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria in ready-to-eat foods.
