Costco has issued a major recall of its Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke product after tests revealed potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes in the green onions used. The recall covers over 3,300 pounds of product sold across 33 states, raising serious safety concerns regarding ready-to-eat items with raw or minimally processed components.
What’s going on
- The recall was initiated by Annasea Foods Group (operating under Western United Fish Company) after their supplier of green onions informed them that a batch had tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
- The affected product is sold under Costco’s Kirkland Signature label, in clear plastic clamshell containers. The pack date is September 18, 2025, and the sell-by date is September 22, 2025.
- There is no indication of reported illnesses so far in connection with this recall. However, Listeria is known to pose higher risk to pregnant individuals, seniors, infants, and people with immunocompromising conditions.
Why this matters
Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous pathogen because it can survive in cooler environments, including refrigeration, and because its incubation period is longer than many bacterial foodborne illnesses. Once ingested, it can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like conditions to severe disease like meningitis, septicemia, or complications in pregnancy. Even if the consumer doesn’t notice immediate symptoms, the health consequences can be serious for high-risk groups.
What consumers should do
- If you purchased Costco’s Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke with the pack date 9/18/2025 and the sell-by date 9/22/2025, don’t eat it. Discard it or return it to Costco for a full refund.
- Be especially attentive if you or people you care for are in a high-risk category (pregnant, elderly, immunocompromised). If symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, stiff neck, or more serious neurological symptoms occur, seek medical attention.
- Store and handle ready-to-eat foods carefully. Even raw components like herbs or onions can introduce risk if suppliers do not properly screen or sanitize them.
Legal implications & recourse
Victims who believe they have suffered illness due to this recall have options. When manufacturers, suppliers, or distributors act negligently – for example, by failing to adequately test ingredients or failing to respond properly to contamination – food poisoning attorneys may help victims pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. Firms that focus on food safety law regularly evaluate recall cases like this.
One such firm is Ron Simon & Associates, which handles cases involving foodborne illness. Victims should consider consulting experienced legal help to understand their rights, especially if symptoms are severe or if there’s evidence of negligence.
Keeping up to date
For the latest in recall notices, outbreak alerts, and foodborne illness developments, trusted sources like FoodPoisoningNews.com provide timely coverage. Staying informed can help consumers respond quickly to risks like those in the Costco poke recall.
