Santa Monica Seafood Recalls Aldi Brand Salmon; FDA Issues Oyster Norovirus Warning

In recent food safety developments, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Santa has announced two significant seafood-related recalls affecting consumers across multiple states. Santa Monica Seafood, a major supplier based in Rancho Dominguez, California, has voluntarily recalled its Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing sold at Aldi stores due to an undeclared soy allergen. Concurrently, the FDA has issued a warning about potential norovirus contamination in frozen half-shell oysters imported from South Korea. These recalls, announced in late May 2025, have raised concerns among consumers, particularly as they coincide with Memorial Day weekend, a time when seafood is a popular choice for gatherings. This article explores the details of both recalls, their implications, and what consumers need to know to stay safe.

Santa Monica Seafood’s Aldi Salmon Recall: What Happened?

Santa Monica Seafood, a leading wholesale seafood distributor in the Southwest, initiated a voluntary recall of its Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing sold at Aldi stores in California, Nevada, and Arizona. The recall, announced by the FDA on May 24, 2025, stems from a labeling error discovered during a routine inspection of a completed production batch. The product contains soy, one of the nine major food allergens recognized by the FDA, but the packaging failed to list it as an ingredient. This oversight poses a serious risk for individuals with soy allergies, as consumption could lead to severe or even life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can cause swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing.

The recalled salmon is packaged in 16-ounce portions and bears a use-by date of June 2, 2025, printed on the front of the package in the white area beneath the product image. No specific batch code was provided in the recall notice, making it critical for consumers to check the use-by date. According to the FDA, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this product as of the recall date. However, the potential danger to those with soy allergies prompted swift action from both Santa Monica Seafood and Aldi.

Aldi has responded by immediately removing the affected products from store shelves and urging customers to either discard the salmon or return it to their local store for a full refund. Consumers with questions can contact Santa Monica Seafood directly at 1-800-969-8862, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST. The recall affects only Aldi stores in the three mentioned states, but Santa Monica Seafood’s distribution history suggests they also supply other major retailers like Walmart, though those products are not included in this specific recall.

This incident underscores the importance of accurate food labeling, as mandated by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA). Soy is a common allergen, and its undeclared presence in food products can have serious consequences. The FDA is working closely with Santa Monica Seafood to monitor the recall’s effectiveness and ensure consumers are adequately informed.

FDA’s Oyster Norovirus Warning: A Growing Concern

In a separate but equally concerning development, the FDA issued a public health alert on May 22, 2025, regarding frozen half-shell oysters imported from South Korea by Khee Trading, Inc., a Compton, California-based distributor. These oysters, harvested on January 30, 2025, and processed in Tongyeong-si, South Korea, are suspected of being contaminated with norovirus, a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis. Symptoms of norovirus infection include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, typically appearing 12 to 48 hours after consumption and lasting up to two days.

The California Department of Public Health notified the FDA of the potential contamination on May 15, 2025, following reports of a norovirus outbreak linked to the oysters. The affected products carry the code B250130, and the FDA has advised consumers, restaurants, and retailers to avoid eating or selling these oysters. The agency is still gathering information on the full scope of distribution, but the oysters are known to have been shipped to multiple states. Restaurants are also warned about the risk of cross-contamination when handling these products, as norovirus can spread easily through improper food handling.

Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is particularly associated with raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters, which can pick up the virus from contaminated marine environments. This recall follows a pattern of oyster-related norovirus outbreaks, including a significant incident earlier in 2025 involving oysters from Louisiana’s Oyster Harvesting Area 3, which sickened over 260 people across five states. Another recall in late 2024 targeted oysters from British Columbia, Canada, highlighting the recurring challenge of ensuring shellfish safety.

What Consumers Should Do

For those who have purchased the recalled Aldi salmon, the first step is to check the product’s use-by date. If it matches June 2, 2025, do not consume the product. Instead, return it to an Aldi store for a full refund or dispose of it safely. If you or someone in your household has a soy allergy, be vigilant about checking labels on all seafood products, as allergens can sometimes be overlooked during production.

For the oyster recall, avoid consuming frozen half-shell oysters with the code B250130. If you’ve recently eaten oysters and experience symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Restaurants and retailers should dispose of the affected oysters and sanitize any surfaces or equipment that may have come into contact with them to prevent cross-contamination.

Why These Recalls Matter

These recalls highlight the ongoing challenges in the seafood industry, where allergens and contaminants like norovirus can slip through the cracks despite rigorous safety protocols. Santa Monica Seafood’s recall is a reminder of the critical role accurate labeling plays in protecting consumers, particularly those with food allergies. Meanwhile, the oyster recall underscores the vulnerability of shellfish to environmental contaminants, a growing concern as global supply chains expand.

The timing of these recalls, just before Memorial Day weekend, is particularly unfortunate, as seafood is a staple for many holiday gatherings. Consumers planning to serve salmon or oysters should double-check their purchases to avoid health risks. The FDA’s swift action in both cases demonstrates its commitment to public safety, but it also serves as a call to action for consumers to stay informed about food recalls.

Staying Safe Amid Food Recalls

To protect yourself and your family, consider the following tips:

1. Check Recall Notices Regularly: The FDA and USDA frequently update their websites with recall information. Bookmarking these sites or signing up for email alerts can keep you informed.
2. Inspect Product Labels: Always read ingredient lists, especially if you have food allergies. If a product’s label seems unclear, contact the manufacturer for clarification.
3. Practice Safe Food Handling: Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly when preparing seafood to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Stay Informed About Symptoms: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of foodborne illnesses like norovirus and seek medical attention if they occur.

For more details on the salmon recall, visit the FDA’s official announcement at www.fda.gov. For information on the oyster norovirus warning, check the FDA’s public health alert at www.fda.gov. To learn more about food safety and allergens, the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov offers valuable resources.

Conclusion

The Santa Monica Seafood salmon recall and the FDA’s oyster norovirus warning serve as critical reminders of the importance of food safety. While no illnesses have been reported in connection with the salmon recall, the risk to those with soy allergies is significant. Similarly, the potential for norovirus in contaminated oysters poses a serious health threat. By staying informed, checking product labels, and following recall instructions, consumers can protect themselves and enjoy their meals with confidence. As the seafood industry continues to navigate these challenges, vigilance from both regulators and consumers remains essential.

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