NYC Shoppers’ Listeria Alert: Salmon Recall at BJ’s NY And NJ!

A recent salmon recall has raised alarms for NYC shoppers’ listeria alert, affecting frozen salmon sold at BJ’s Wholesale Club locations in New York and New Jersey. The recall comes after testing detected possible Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness. While no cases have been reported yet, understanding this recall is crucial for anyone who purchased the affected salmon or consumes seafood regularly.

What You Need to Know About the BJ’s Salmon Recall

The recall specifically targets Wellsley Farms Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon sold in 2-pound bags. Consumers should check for the UPC code 888670025963 and lot number 3896, which appear on the back of the packaging.

These products were sold at BJ’s Wholesale Club stores in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia between January 31 and February 7, 2026. The recall was issued by Slade Gorton & Co., Inc., following an FDA alert confirming possible contamination.

Understanding Listeria and Its Risks

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness. Symptoms can appear a few days to several weeks after exposure, and they vary depending on the person’s age and health. Common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills – often the first signs of infection.
• Severe headache – may feel intense or persistent.
• Nausea and vomiting – sometimes accompanied by stomach cramps or diarrhea.
• Stiff neck, muscle aches, and fatigue – generalized body aches that can feel flu-like.
• Loss of balance or confusion – particularly in older adults or people with weakened immune systems.
• Pregnancy-related complications – in pregnant individuals, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or infection in the newborn.

While healthy adults may experience only mild symptoms or none at all, Listeria can be life-threatening for pregnant individuals, infants, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems. This makes a NYC shoppers’ listeria alert particularly important.

Steps for NYC Shoppers Who Bought the Salmon

If you purchased the affected salmon, follow these steps immediately:

1. Do not eat the salmon. Listeria may be present even if the fish looks and smells normal.
2. Return or safely discard the product. BJ’s Wholesale Club offers a full refund.
3. Check the lot number and UPC code. Only discard or return bags that match UPC 888670025963 and lot 3896.
4. Monitor your health. Seek medical advice if you develop any symptoms, particularly if you are in a high-risk group.
5. Contact BJ’s customer service at 1‑888‑628‑0730 for questions about refunds and proper disposal.

Acting quickly can prevent illness and protect you and your family.

How Listeria Contamination Happens

Listeria contamination can occur at several stages, from production to packaging and storage. Common causes include:

• Processing facility contamination: Bacteria can survive in areas where raw fish is handled if cleaning is inadequate.
• Improper storage: Listeria can grow even at refrigerated temperatures, which makes frozen or chilled products vulnerable.
• Cross-contamination: Utensils, surfaces, or cutting boards that contact contaminated fish can spread bacteria.

Even trusted suppliers like BJ’s and Wellsley Farms are not immune, highlighting the need for vigilance from both retailers and consumers.

What This Means for NYC Food Shoppers

NYC residents rely on supermarkets, wholesale clubs, and delivery services. This recall emphasizes the importance of:

1. Staying informed: Sign up for FDA alerts or follow reliable food safety sources.
2. Inspecting products: Always check lot numbers and packaging dates, especially for seafood.
3. Safe food handling: Use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods, refrigerate promptly, and cook seafood to recommended temperatures.
4. Choosing trusted suppliers: Ask stores and restaurants about sourcing and safety practices.

Restaurants and food service businesses must also remain vigilant, ensuring suppliers are reliable and training staff in proper food safety protocols.

Balancing Convenience With Safety

Frozen and packaged seafood offers NYC shoppers convenience, but it comes with responsibility. Tips for safer consumption include:

• Check recalls regularly via FDA alerts, apps, and store notifications.
• Buy from reputable sources with strong safety standards.
• Cook thoroughly even frozen salmon to reduce risk.

Being cautious does not reduce enjoyment; it ensures that families, seniors, and vulnerable individuals stay safe while enjoying seafood.

Final Thoughts

This NYC shoppers’ listeria alert underscores the importance of awareness, action, and food safety in a city that loves seafood. Recalls like BJ’s salmon demonstrate that the system works to protect public health, but consumers must stay vigilant.

Remember to:

• Monitor food recalls carefully
• Handle seafood safely at home
• Seek medical advice if symptoms appear

By staying informed and taking simple precautions, NYC residents can enjoy seafood safely and minimize health risks.

For more reliable food safety news, NYC dining trends, and expert advice, visit EAT&DRINK NYC, a trusted source of factual information for all things food and drink in New York City.