Slade Gorton Recalls Wellsley Farms Salmon Over Listeria Risk

WALTHAM, Mass. (February 12, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Slade Gorton & Co., Inc. is voluntarily recalling a specific lot of Wellsley Farms Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. According to the FDA, the recall was initiated after a random sample collected by the agency tested positive for the bacteria. While healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Wellsley Farms Recall: Quick Summary

Slade Gorton & Co., Inc. has issued a recall for one specific lot of frozen Atlantic Salmon sold under the Wellsley Farms brand. The product was sold exclusively at BJ’s Wholesale Club locations in seven states, including New York and Pennsylvania, between January 31 and February 7, 2026. The contamination was discovered during routine FDA surveillance. No illnesses have been reported to date, but consumers are urged to check their freezers for the affected lot code immediately.

What Happened?

The FDA said Slade Gorton & Co., Inc. initiated the recall after regulators notified the company that a random sample of the product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was announced on February 11, 2026, and is limited to products sold at BJ’s Wholesale Club locations in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

In its recall alert, the FDA warned that

“Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women”.

Affected Products

The recall applies to the following specific product:

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Lot Code	Distribution
Wellsley Farms	Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon	2-lb bag	888670025963	3896	DE, MD, NJ, NY, NC, PA, VA

Note: The UPC and Lot Code are printed on the reverse of the bag, below the cooking instructions and Nutrition Facts panel.

What Caused the Issue?

According to the FDA notice, the cause of the recall was the confirmed presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a sample collected by the agency. Listeria is a bacterium that can survive in moist, cool environments often found in seafood processing facilities.

The primary health risk is listeriosis, an infection that poses serious threats to pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues.

Questions You Might Have

1. What if I ate the salmon and feel fine?If you have no symptoms, no action is usually needed. However, monitor your health as Listeria symptoms can take up to 70 days to appear.
2. How do I identify the recalled bag?Look for Lot 3896 and UPC 888670025963 on the back of the 2-lb bag.
3. Is this sold at other stores?No. The recalled lot was sold exclusively at BJ’s Wholesale Club locations.
4. Has anyone gotten sick?No. As of the recall date, no illnesses have been reported.
5. Does cooking kill Listeria?Yes, cooking to 165°F kills the bacteria, but the FDA advises returning recalled products to avoid cross-contamination risks in the kitchen.
6. I bought this in Florida. Is it affected?The notice specifically lists stores in DE, MD, NJ, NY, NC, PA, and VA. Check the lot code to be sure.
7. Can I get a refund without a receipt?Yes. BJ’s Wholesale Club is notifying members directly and will provide a full refund.
8. Who is Slade Gorton?Slade Gorton & Co., Inc. is a seafood distributor based in Waltham, Mass., that supplies the Wellsley Farms brand.
9. What should pregnant women do?Pregnant women should be especially vigilant. If you consumed the recalled product, consult your healthcare provider even if you don’t feel sick.
10. Who can I call for help?You can contact Slade Gorton & Co. at 1-888-628-0730 for instructions.

Here’s What You Should Do

• Check the freezer: Look for Wellsley Farms Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon in 2-lb bags.
• Verify the Lot: Ensure the code on the back is 3896.
• Do not consume: If you have the affected lot, do not eat it.
• Contact for Refund: Call 1-888-628-0730 or return the product to BJ’s Wholesale Club for a refund.

Behind the Brand

Wellsley Farms is BJ’s Wholesale Club’s signature private label, known for offering high-quality fresh and frozen foods at value prices. The product is supplied by Slade Gorton & Co., Inc., a family-owned seafood business with a long history in the industry. This recall demonstrates the rigorous testing protocols in place, as the issue was caught by random FDA sampling rather than consumer illness reports.

Other Relevant Recalls

This recall occurs amidst a busy period for food safety alerts. Mondelēz Global LLC recently expanded its recall of Chips Ahoy! Baked Bites Brookies due to a choking hazard. Similarly, Costco issued a recall for Mini Beignets after a packaging mix-up left hazelnuts undeclared.

In the meat category, Suzanna’s Kitchen recalled ready-to-eat products due to Listeria, mirroring the biological risk found in the salmon. Additionally, Beacon Promotions recalled M&M’s due to missing allergen labels.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, noted:

“Private label products carry the retailer’s name, but the risk often lies deep in the supply chain. This recall demonstrates why retailers must maintain rigorous oversight of their co-packers and suppliers. Transparency and rapid action are the only ways to maintain member trust when these inevitable issues arise.”

Broader Pattern

This recall is part of a broader trend of Listeria detections in frozen foods. Unlike Salmonella, which requires warmth to multiply, Listeria is “psychrotrophic,” meaning it can survive and grow at cool temperatures. This makes it a persistent challenge for cold-chain logistics and frozen food processors, requiring constant environmental monitoring to prevent contamination.

FAQs

• How did the contamination happen?The specific source of the contamination is currently under investigation by Slade Gorton & Co., Inc., though the presence of the bacteria was confirmed via FDA sampling.
• What states are affected?The recalled product was sold in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
• Is this a Class I recall?While the FDA notice does not explicitly state the classification yet, Listeria recalls are typically Class I due to the serious health consequences involved.

Ensuring Safe Eats

Listeria is a serious pathogen because it can affect vulnerable populations more severely than other foodborne illnesses. Consumers should always follow recall instructions promptly and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with recalled products.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, ensuring that when recalls happen, supply chains are prepared to respond quickly.

For more information or to report a concern about a food product, you can visit our contact page at https://source86.com/contact/.