Costco’s popular Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke has been recalled nationwide after federal officials discovered potential listeria contamination that could threaten families across 33 states.
Story Highlights
- FDA recalls 3,315 pounds of Kirkland poke from 33 states due to listeria-contaminated green onions
- No illnesses reported yet, but listeria poses serious health risks especially to vulnerable populations
- Recall triggered by supplier’s proactive testing, not consumer complaints or illness reports
- Affected products have September 18 pack dates and September 22 sell-by dates
Federal Officials Sound Food Safety Alarm
The FDA announced September 22, 2025, that Western United Fish Company recalled Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke sold at Costco stores nationwide. The recall affects 3,315 pounds of product distributed across 33 states after green onion suppliers detected listeria monocytogenes in their ingredients. Federal health officials emphasize that no illnesses have been reported, but the contamination poses serious health risks to consumers.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe infections, particularly dangerous for pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. The bacteria can lead to fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, listeria infections can cause meningitis, blood infections, and pregnancy complications including miscarriages. The FDA’s swift action demonstrates the serious nature of this contamination threat.
Supply Chain Breakdown Exposes Vulnerabilities
The contamination originated from green onions supplied to Annasea Foods Group, which manufactures the poke products for Costco’s Kirkland brand. The green onion supplier’s testing revealed the listeria presence and triggered immediate notification to the manufacturer. This incident highlights how single ingredient failures can compromise entire product lines, affecting thousands of consumers across multiple states through major retail chains.
Products bearing pack dates of September 18, 2025, and sell-by dates of September 22, 2025, are included in the recall. The tight timeline between packaging and recall announcement shows how quickly contaminated products can reach consumer shelves. Costco’s deli sections, where these ready-to-eat products were sold, typically experience high turnover, potentially increasing consumer exposure before the recall took effect.
Consumer Protection and Industry Response
Consumers who purchased the affected poke products should immediately discard them and can return to Costco for full refunds without receipts. The recall demonstrates effective industry monitoring systems, as supplier testing caught the contamination before consumer illness reports emerged. However, the incident raises concerns about oversight of fresh produce suppliers and the safety protocols for ready-to-eat seafood products.
Costco Kirkland brand poke recalled nationwide over possible listeria contamination https://t.co/iKJfO0kXjG
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) September 22, 2025
Food safety experts stress that proactive recalls protect public health but also reveal ongoing vulnerabilities in produce supply chains. The economic impact includes disposal costs, refunds, and potential brand reputation damage for both Costco and Annasea Foods Group. This recall may prompt stricter supplier testing requirements and enhanced oversight of fresh ingredients used in ready-to-eat products sold by major retailers.
Sources:
Recall Alert: Costco’s Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke recalled for possible listeria contamination
Costco recall: Poke tuna over listeria contamination
Costco Kirkland Ahi Wasabi Poke recall over listeria in Florida
