The United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a Public Health Alert regarding Kirkland Signature’s Ready-To-Eat Ham Products, due to potential contamination with Listeria Monocytogenes. The Kirkland Signature, Sunnyvalley Smoked Meats, Ready-To-Eat Ham Products were placed under a “Public Health Alert” on the 6th of October, 2023. No recall has been issued on the Kirkland Signature, Costco-sold products, due to the belief that these ham products are no longer available for purchase or redistribution.
The affected Kirkland Signature Ready-To-Eat Ham Products were reported to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service as having tested positive for Listeria Monocytogenes during a routine laboratory testing. According to the USDA, the discovered bacteria can cause Listeriosis, which produces symptoms such as “…fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics.” Individuals who have consumed the affected Costco, Kirkland Signature brand Ready-To-Eat Ham Products should be wary of the afore-listed symptoms and repercussions. If experiencing adverse reactions after consumption of this product, as in the case of any food, consumers should immediately contact their healthcare provider and alert their personal public health safety officials.
For identification, the full product title that is under a Public Health Alert, is “Kirkland Signature Applewood Smoked MASTER CARVE HALF HAM Boneless With Natural Juices.” The product was packaged in 4 pound, tightly-sealed, clear, plastic containers. With the Use By Date of January 2024, the Kirkland Signature Ham Products were sold beginning on September 25th, 2023. If in possession of this product, customers should either discard the product or pursue a full refund by returning the product to the location of purchase for a full refund.
