Aldi has issued an urgent recall of a smoked salmon product after a labelling error led to an incorrect use-by date being printed on packaging. Customers across Great Britain have been advised not to consume the item and to return it for a refund.
The recall affects a specific ready-to-eat salmon product that could pose a health risk if eaten beyond its actual shelf life. Food safety authorities say the issue lies not with the product itself, but with misleading date information that may cause consumers to keep it for too long.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) published the alert on 14 April, highlighting concerns that the product may become unsafe to eat if consumed after the correct date. Aldi has since removed the item from sale and issued guidance to shoppers.
Labelling Error Prompts Nationwide Recall
The product in question is The Fishmonger Hot Smoked 2 Salmon Fillets – Honey Roasted, sold in 180g packs. According to the Food Standards Agency, the packaging incorrectly displays a use-by date of 25 June 2026, when the correct date should be 25 April 2026.
This discrepancy means consumers could unknowingly store and consume the salmon well past the point at which it is considered safe. The FSA states that the incorrect date “makes it unsafe to eat after the correct use-by date”, prompting the recall across England, Scotland and Wales.
Aldi confirmed that the recall was initiated by its supplier as a precautionary measure. The company has removed affected stock from shelves and is displaying notices in stores to inform customers of the issue and the steps they should take.
Customers who have purchased the product are being told not to eat it. Instead, they should return it to their nearest Aldi store, where they will receive a full refund. According to Aldi, no receipt is required for reimbursement. The recall has been formally logged under reference FSA-PRIN-18-2026, and in-store notices will remain in place until at least 13 May 2026.
Health Risks Linked to Incorrect Use-by Dates
Food safety experts warn that consuming ready-to-eat fish products beyond their use-by date can increase the risk of food poisoning. According to reporting from health sources, harmful bacteria may develop even when food appears normal in smell and appearance.
The Food Standards Agency advises that use-by dates are critical for chilled foods such as smoked salmon, as they indicate the period during which the product can be safely consumed. Eating food past this date may lead to illness, particularly in vulnerable groups.
Symptoms of food poisoning can include diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. According to health reporting, bacteria such as listeria and salmonella are commonly associated with ready-to-eat fish products if they are stored for too long or kept at incorrect temperatures.
Listeria, in particular, poses a higher risk to pregnant women, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. It can cause flu-like symptoms and, in some cases, more severe complications.
The FSA reiterates that consumers should always follow use-by dates strictly and not rely on appearance or smell to judge whether food is safe. In this case, the incorrect labelling significantly increases the risk of misuse.
Aldi has apologised to customers for the error, stating that the product did not meet its usual standards and thanking shoppers for their cooperation in returning affected items.
