Ham Sold At CA Costcos Possibly Contaminated With Listeria

CALIFORNIA — Ready-to-eat ham recently sold at Costco warehouses in California may be contaminated with listeria, a bacteria that causes gastrointestinal problems and primarily affects people with weak or compromised immune systems, federal health officials said Friday.

The public health alert issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service includes ready-to-eat ham products produced by California-based Sunnyvalley Smoked Meats.

The company discovered the possible contamination through laboratory testing, the alert said.

According to officials, the following products were included in the alert:

• 4-lb. vacuum-packed clear plastic packages containing “Kirkland Signature Applewood Smoked MASTER CARVE HALF HAM Boneless With Natural Juices” with a use/freeze-by date of Jan. 20, 2024 and a sticker with lot number 264-4.

Officials said the products were shipped to retail locations in California and Nevada. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer being sold.

Eating food contaminated with Listeria can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and their newborns. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Symptoms are sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems.

No confirmed reports of reactions or illness due to consuming the affected products have been reported, officials said. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers with questions regarding the public health alert can contact Courteney Rangel at 209-647-3504 or crangel@sunnyvalleysmokedmeats.com.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the USDA's toll-free meat and poultry hotline at 888-674-6854 or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.