- Recall Date: May 24, 2025
- Announced by: FDA on May 24, 2025
- Company Involved: Santa Monica Seafood
- Product: Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing
- Issue: Undeclared allergen – soy
- Risk: Serious or life-threatening allergic reactions for soy-sensitive individuals
- Where Sold: Aldi stores in California, Nevada, and Arizona
- How to Take Action: Return the product to Aldi for a full refund
- Contact: 1-800-969-8862, Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM PST
Stick around to find out more about this seafood slip-up – shall we learn more about this?
What Happened?
Santa Monica Seafood issued a voluntary recall on May 24, 2025, after discovering that its Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing, sold under the Aldi brand, failed to declare soy on the packaging — a known allergen that could cause severe health reactions.
This oopsie was caught internally by the supplier during a routine label proof inspection, and thankfully, no illnesses have been reported (yet). But for anyone with soy allergies, this is a big deal.
Here’s a quick look at the affected product:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC / Label Info | Best By | Issue |
Aldi | Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing | 16 oz | White portion under product image | Jun.02.25 | Contains soy not listed on label |
What Caused the Issue?
This USDA food recall was triggered by an allergen labeling mistake — a seemingly small oversight with potentially serious consequences. During a routine inspection of production label proofs, Santa Monica Seafood discovered that the Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing, sold under the Aldi brand, contained soy, a common food allergen. However, soy was not listed in the product’s ingredient declaration.
That omission is a big problem. According to the FDA, undeclared allergens are one of the most frequent causes of food recalls. In this case, soy — one of the top nine allergens — can pose a significant threat to those with soy allergies or sensitivities.
Why undeclared soy is dangerous:
- Lack of warning: Consumers with soy allergies rely on labels to avoid harmful ingredients. If soy isn’t listed, they may unknowingly consume it.
- Allergic reactions can be severe, ranging from mild irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
- Fast-moving consumer goods like stuffed salmon often go from shelf to dinner table quickly, increasing the risk of accidental exposure.
Who’s at risk?
- Individuals with a known soy allergy or sensitivity
- Children, who tend to have higher rates of soy allergies
- Immunocompromised individuals
- People with multiple food allergies, who may be at increased risk of cross-reactive symptoms
Common symptoms of soy allergy include:
- Itching or hives
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Wheezing, shortness of breath
- Anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if not treated immediately
10 common questions you might have
1. How do I know if my product is affected?
Check the front label of the package. If it’s marked “Use or Freeze By: Jun.02.25” and says Aldi Atlantic Salmon with Seafood Stuffing, it may be part of the recall.
2. What should I do if I bought this product?
Do not consume it if you or someone in your household has a soy allergy. Return it to Aldi for a full refund.
3. Can I still eat the product if I don’t have a soy allergy?
Yes, but it is not recommended, as consuming mislabeled food undermines traceability and food safety standards.
4. What does soy do to people with allergies?
It can trigger reactions ranging from hives and nausea to anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.
5. Why wasn’t soy listed on the label?
This was a labeling error caught during a routine inspection by the supplier. It is currently being addressed with the FDA’s oversight.
6. Is this the only product affected?
Yes, the recall currently affects only the 16 oz. Aldi Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing with the Jun.02.25 freeze-by date.
7. How can I contact Santa Monica Seafood?
Call 1-800-969-8862, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST, or email [email protected].
8. Has anyone gotten sick from eating this product?
As of the FDA’s announcement, no illnesses have been reported.
9. What are companies doing to prevent this in the future?
Companies are advised to strengthen their label proofing and allergen control systems, especially during production and co-packing.
10. How often do allergen recalls happen?
Unfortunately, they’re quite frequent. Allergen mislabeling is a leading cause of food recalls, particularly in ready-to-eat and private label products.
Here’s What You Should Do
Here’s your food recall checklist for importers and consumers:
- Check the white portion of the front label beneath the product image for the Jun.02.25 freeze-by date
- Do NOT consume if you have a soy allergy
- Return it to your local Aldi for a full refund
- Call Santa Monica Seafood at 1-800-969-8862 for questions
- Or email: [email protected]
Behind the Brand
Santa Monica Seafood, based in Rancho Dominguez, CA, is a well-known seafood supplier with a solid industry presence. This isn’t their first splash in the recall pond, though — while they’ve generally maintained a clean track record, allergen labeling oversights like this aren’t uncommon in the industry.
Want to compare? Check out these recent allergen-related recalls:
- On May 21, 2025, Spanish Fork, Utah-based New Grains Gluten Free Bakery issued a recall after discovering a labeling error that left out the presence of major allergens in some of its baked goods.
- On May 13, 2025, NatureMills US Inc., a Texas-based food manufacturer, issued a voluntary recall of multiple food products due to the presence of undeclared allergens: wheat, milk, and sesame.
- On March 30, 2025, Fresh Creative Foods issued a voluntary recall for Trader Joe’s Hot Honey Mustard Dressing due to a labeling error that left out crucial allergen information.
- On March 25, 2025, The Bakery Group, based in Dallas, TX, issued a recall for two of its bakery products due to undeclared allergens: milk, soy, and Yellow FD&C #5.
- On March 11, 2025, Liaoning Cheng Da USA Inc. of San Gabriel, California, issued a recall for its Wangzhihe Hot Pot Sauce due to undeclared allergens (peanut, soy, sesame, and wheat).
“Labeling isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s a critical line of defense for consumers with food allergies. When ingredients like soy aren’t clearly disclosed, it creates real danger for those affected and erodes trust in the brand. Recalls like this highlight why accurate labeling and strong quality controls aren’t just best practices—they’re essential for both consumer safety and brand integrity,” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
These incidents show how frequent and critical allergen management is — especially for co-packers, private labels, and bulk food suppliers.
Ensuring Safe Eats
When allergen labeling goes wrong, the ripple effects hit everyone — from manufacturers to retailers to consumers. Even if no one gets sick, it’s a major red flag for compliance, traceability systems, and supplier due diligence.
Let’s face it — a soy slip in seafood stuffing might seem small, but for someone with allergies, it’s not just inconvenient… it’s dangerous.
Got questions about how to manage allergen risks or source high-quality ingredients from trusted suppliers? We’re here to help. Reach out to our team for smarter sourcing, safer production, and supply chain peace of mind. Let’s connect!
