Major RECALL — Dangerous Bacteria Found

Costco’s popular Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke has been recalled across 33 states due to potential listeria contamination, exposing yet another failure in America’s increasingly fragile food safety system.

Story Overview

FDA announced recall of 3,315 pounds of Kirkland poke sold at Costco stores in 33 states
Listeria contamination detected in green onions used in the product by supplier testing
No illnesses reported yet, but listeria poses serious health risks to vulnerable populations
Products packed September 18 with sell-by dates of September 22, 2025

Recall Details and Scope

The FDA announced on September 22, 2025, that Western United Fish Company initiated a recall of Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke distributed to Costco stores nationwide. The contamination was discovered when the green onion supplier detected listeria monocytogenes in their product and immediately notified Annasea Foods Group. This proactive supplier testing prevented potential widespread illness, though it highlights concerning gaps in our food supply chain oversight.

Costco Kirkland brand poke recalled nationwide over possible listeria contamination https://t.co/iKJfO0kXjG

— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) September 22, 2025

The recalled product affects consumers across 33 states, representing a significant distribution footprint that demonstrates how quickly contaminated food can spread through America’s retail networks. Costco customers who purchased the poke with pack dates of September 18, 2025, should immediately discard the product and seek full refunds. The rapid four-day timeframe between packing and recall announcement shows both the short shelf life of these products and the urgent response required.

Health Risks and Vulnerable Populations

Listeria monocytogenes poses particularly dangerous health threats to pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. This bacterial infection can cause severe illness including meningitis, septicemia, and in pregnant women, miscarriage or stillbirth. The fact that no illnesses have been reported yet doesn’t diminish the serious nature of this contamination, as listeria symptoms can take weeks to develop after exposure.

Food safety experts emphasize that listeria’s ability to grow at refrigeration temperatures makes contaminated ready-to-eat products especially hazardous. Unlike many foodborne pathogens that require cooking temperatures to eliminate, listeria can multiply even in properly refrigerated conditions, making prevention through supply chain vigilance absolutely critical for protecting American families.

Supply Chain Accountability Issues

This incident exposes troubling questions about ingredient sourcing and quality control in America’s food manufacturing system. While the green onion supplier’s testing prevented a potential outbreak, the contamination occurred in the first place due to inadequate safety protocols. Consumers deserve to know that every component of their food, from main ingredients to garnishes, meets the highest safety standards without relying on luck or voluntary supplier testing.

The recall demonstrates how complex modern food supply chains create multiple points of failure that can compromise consumer safety. When a simple garnish ingredient like green onions can trigger a nationwide recall affecting thousands of pounds of product, it reveals the interconnected vulnerabilities that threaten food security. American families shouldn’t have to worry about basic grocery purchases becoming health hazards due to preventable contamination issues.