Haifa Smoked Fish Recalls Cold Smoked Salmon and Seabass Due To Listeria Contamination

Haifa recall: quick summary

Haifa Smoked Fish has issued a recall for its Cold Smoked Salmon (Lot #219) and Cold Smoked Seabass (Lot #212) due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The products, which were distributed nationwide through direct delivery to retail stores and distributors, came under scrutiny after routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets detected the presence of the bacteria. While no illnesses have been reported to date, health officials are urging caution. Customers are advised to return the products for a full refund or contact the company directly at 718-523-8899 for further assistance.

What happened?

On September 16, 2025, Haifa Smoked Fish issued a recall of its Cold Smoked Salmon (8 oz., Lot #219) and Cold Smoked Seabass (8 oz., Lot #212) after inspectors found Listeria monocytogenes during testing. The products were distributed nationwide, meaning they could be chilling in fridges from New York to California. So far, no one has reported illness, but health authorities aren’t taking chances.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	Lot/UPC	Best By Date	Issue	Distribution
Haifa	Cold Smoked Salmon	8 oz.	Lot #219	N/A	Listeria monocytogenes	Nationwide
Haifa	Cold Smoked Seabass	8 oz.	Lot #212	N/A	Listeria monocytogenes	Nationwide

What caused the issue?

The troublemaker here is Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that loves cold, damp environments, like your fridge. While healthy folks may only experience flu-like symptoms (headache, fever, upset stomach), the stakes are much higher for:

• Pregnant women (risk of miscarriage or stillbirth)
• Elderly individuals
• Young children
• Anyone with a weakened immune system

So far, no illnesses have been reported, which is the silver lining in this smoky salmon cloud.

Questions you might have

1. Are all the Haifa fish recalled?
   No, only Cold Smoked Salmon Lot #219 and Cold Smoked Seabass Lot #212.
2. How do I know if I bought one?
   Check the label for the lot numbers and 8 oz. packaging.
3. Can cooking kill Listeria?
   Yes, but since this is smoked and ready-to-eat fish, better to avoid it.
4. Are refunds available?
   Yes, bring it back to where you bought it for a full refund.
5. Can I just freeze it until the recall is over?
   Nice try, but Listeria survives freezing.
6. What are the symptoms to watch out for?
   Fever, headache, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea.
7. Is this recall nationwide?
   Yep—distributed across the U.S.
8. What if I already ate it?
   Monitor for symptoms and contact your doctor if you feel unwell.
9. How was this discovered?
   Routine sampling by NY State inspectors.
10. Where can I get more info?
    Call Haifa Smoked Fish at 718-523-8899 or check the FDA recall notice.

Here’s what you should do

• Do not eat it—return for a refund.
• Check the label for Lot #219 (Salmon) or Lot #212 (Seabass).
• Identify packaging: 8 oz., vacuum-sealed, on a paper board with flexible plastic.
• Contact: Haifa Smoked Fish at 718-523-8899.

Behind the brand

Haifa Smoked Fish, based in Jamaica, NY, specializes in traditional smoked fish products distributed across the United States. While known for its bold flavors, the company is now in the spotlight for a less appetizing reason: food safety.

Other relevant recalls

• Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op recalls multiple cheeses over Listeria contamination scare
• Endico recalls frozen peas and carrots & mixed vegetables over Listeria scare
• Viva Raw recalls dog and cat food over Salmonella and Listeria contamination
• Sunshine Dairy recalls raw milk over Listeria contamination
• Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op recalls pepper jack and horseradish cheese due to possible Listeria contamination
• Kirkland Signature recalls Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke over Listeria scare

“Food safety is not just about avoiding recalls; it’s about building consumer trust and strengthening supply chains. Every company should see these events as reminders to invest in prevention, not just correction.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

This recall is another reminder of how critical food safety is in today’s industry. Contamination scares shake consumer confidence and create costly disruptions for brands. Companies must double down on rigorous testing, transparent communication, and supply chain excellence to prevent these situations.

If you’ve purchased the recalled Haifa products, don’t risk it—return them immediately.

Looking for trusted partners in bulk ingredients, private label services, and supply chain excellence? Talk to the Source86 team today and ensure your products stay safe, reliable, and consumer-approved.