Sarah Martinez was planning her family’s Sunday dinner when she opened her freezer to grab the salmon she’d picked up from BJ’s Wholesale Club last week. The frozen Atlantic salmon looked perfect for her famous honey-glazed recipe that her kids absolutely loved. But as she reached for her phone to check the cooking time, a news alert popped up that made her stomach drop.
The FDA had just announced a salmon recall for the exact brand sitting in her freezer. Like thousands of other families across seven states, Sarah found herself staring at a product that could potentially make her loved ones seriously ill.
This scenario is playing out in homes right now as families discover they may have purchased contaminated salmon from BJ’s Wholesale Club stores.
What You Need to Know About This Salmon Recall
The FDA has issued an urgent recall for Wellsley Farms Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon sold exclusively at BJ’s Wholesale Club locations. The Massachusetts-based producer Slade Gorton & Co., Inc. initiated this salmon recall after discovering potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria that can cause severe illness.
“This recall affects a specific lot of frozen salmon that was distributed to BJ’s stores across seven states,” explains food safety expert Dr. Michael Chen. “The good news is that it’s limited to one production lot, but anyone who purchased this product needs to take immediate action.”
The contaminated salmon was sold between January 31 and February 7, 2024, giving families a clear timeframe to check their purchases. The fish comes in distinctive 2-pound bags with the Wellsley Farms logo prominently displayed on the front packaging.
What makes this salmon recall particularly concerning is that Listeria can survive and even multiply in refrigerated temperatures. Unlike many bacteria, cold storage won’t stop its growth, making proper identification and disposal critical for family safety.
Complete Details About the Recalled Salmon
If you shop at BJ’s Wholesale Club, here’s exactly what you need to check in your freezer or refrigerator right now:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Wellsley Farms Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon |
| Package Size | 2-pound bags |
| UPC Code | 888670025963 |
| Lot Number | 3896 |
| Sale Dates | January 31 – February 7, 2024 |
| States Affected | Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia |
The lot number appears on the back of the package, located below the cooking instructions and Nutrition Facts panel. You’ll need to look carefully, as this small detail makes the difference between safe salmon and potentially dangerous fish.
Key identifying features include:
- Wellsley Farms branding on the front of the package
- “Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon” clearly printed on the label
- 2-pound packaging size
- Frozen state when purchased
- Specific UPC and lot number combination
“Don’t just glance at the package,” advises food safety consultant Lisa Rodriguez. “Take the time to check both the UPC code and lot number. These details are your safety net.”
The FDA website also provides clear photos of the recalled salmon packaging, making visual identification easier for consumers who want to double-check their products.
Who’s at Risk and What Happens Next
Listeria infections affect people differently, but certain groups face much higher risks. Healthy adults might experience uncomfortable but manageable symptoms, while vulnerable populations could face life-threatening complications.
The bacteria causes listeriosis, which typically develops within 24 hours to three weeks after consuming contaminated food. For most healthy individuals, symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
However, the stakes become much higher for specific groups:
- Pregnant women face risks of miscarriage, premature delivery, or serious infection in newborns
- Adults over 65 may develop severe bloodstream infections or meningitis
- Infants and young children can experience potentially fatal complications
- People with compromised immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness
“The fact that no illnesses have been reported yet doesn’t mean people should relax,” warns Dr. Jennifer Walsh, an infectious disease specialist. “Listeria symptoms can take weeks to appear, and prevention is always better than treatment.”
If you’ve consumed the recalled salmon and belong to a high-risk group, contact your healthcare provider immediately, even if you feel fine. Early medical attention can prevent complications and provide peace of mind.
BJ’s Wholesale Club is actively reaching out to customers who may have purchased the affected salmon through their membership database. The company is offering full refunds for the recalled product, whether you have your receipt or not.
The recall process involves several steps for affected customers:
- Check your freezer and refrigerator immediately
- Locate the lot number and UPC code on any Wellsley Farms salmon
- Dispose of recalled products or return them to BJ’s
- Clean any surfaces that contacted the salmon with bleach solution
- Monitor your family for symptoms over the next three weeks
Food safety experts emphasize that proper disposal means more than just throwing the salmon in the trash. Wrap the product securely to prevent contamination of other items, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling it.
“This salmon recall serves as a reminder that food safety vigilance never stops,” notes Dr. Chen. “Even products from reputable retailers can sometimes slip through safety nets, which is why these recall systems exist.”
The FDA continues monitoring the situation closely, and additional lots could potentially be added to the recall if further contamination is discovered. Consumers should stay alert for updates and continue checking FDA announcements for any expansion of this salmon recall.
FAQs
How can I tell if I have the recalled salmon?
Check for UPC code 888670025963 and lot number 3896 on the back of your Wellsley Farms Atlantic Salmon package.
What should I do if I already ate some of the recalled salmon?
Monitor yourself for symptoms like fever, headache, and nausea. Contact your doctor if you’re pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised.
Can I get a refund without my receipt?
Yes, BJ’s Wholesale Club is offering full refunds for the recalled salmon even without a receipt.
How long do Listeria symptoms take to appear?
Symptoms typically develop anywhere from 24 hours to three weeks after consuming contaminated food.
Is it safe to eat other salmon from BJ’s?
Yes, only this specific lot of Wellsley Farms salmon is affected. Other salmon products remain safe to consume.
How should I clean surfaces that touched the recalled salmon?
Use a bleach solution to thoroughly clean any surfaces, utensils, or containers that came into contact with the product.
