FDA Triggers Urgent Recall After Contaminated Tuna Hits Shelves Nationwide

A routine inspection has sparked the FDA’s most serious warning for a popular deli item sold across the U.S. Thousands of pounds of Costco tuna are being pulled from shelves after a hidden threat was uncovered. A specific ingredient has tested positive for contamination.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall—its highest health-risk rating—for Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke, after a test detected Listeria monocytogenes contamination in green onions used in the product. The affected tuna was sold at Costco locations across 37 states.

The voluntary recall was announced on 20 September by Western United Fish Company, which operates under the name Annasea Foods Group. Roughly 3,314 pounds of the tuna product are affected. The FDA has advised consumers to immediately dispose of the product and avoid consumption.

Contaminated Ingredient Triggers High-Risk Recall

According to the FDA’s enforcement notice, the Listeria contamination originated from green onions included in the poke product. The onion supplier reportedly informed the manufacturer on 17 September that a batch had tested positive for the bacteria.

The specific item under recall is the Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke, labelled as Costco Item Number 17193. It was distributed in clear plastic clamshell containers, bearing a pack date of 18 September 2025 and a sell-by date of 22 September 2025. These were available in the deli section of Costco stores in a wide range of states, including Texas, Florida, New York and Washington.

In its public statement, the FDA classified the recall as Class I, defined as a situation in which “there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” Listeria monocytogenes is known to pose severe risks, particularly to pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals.

Investigation Ongoing, No Illnesses Reported

As of the date of the recall announcement, no illnesses have been linked to the affected product. Western United Fish Company confirmed that it is working closely with the green onion supplier to determine the root cause of the contamination and assess its scope.

Listeria infections can cause symptoms such as high fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. In more vulnerable individuals, the infection may lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, or life-threatening complications. According to the FDA, healthy individuals are generally more likely to experience only short-term effects.

Consumers who purchased the recalled tuna are urged not to consume it. Costco is offering full refunds for returned products. Customers can reach Annasea Foods Group via phone or email during regular business hours for further guidance. The recall remains active while the investigation continues. Updates are available via the FDA’s Enforcement Report search tool or by calling 1-888-INFO-FDA.

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