Smoked salmon available at Kroger and Payless stores has been recalled due to Listeria contamination

Foppen Seafood has initiated a recall of its smoked salmon, which was sold in Kroger and Pay Less Super Market outlets across 15 states, following the discovery of listeria during routine testing.

The product in question is the Smoked Norwegian Salmon Slices, toast-sized, weighing 8.1 ounces, and identifiable by lot number 412, which can be seen through the clear plastic window on the package front. This announcement was made by the Harderwijk, Netherlands-based company on Tuesday, with details posted by the Food and Drug Administration.

The salmon was available for purchase in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.

Even while food tainted with Listeria monocytogenes may not appear or smell rotten, it can yet result in serious, occasionally fatal diseases. Individuals who have consumed any recalled product and experienced signs of a Listeria infection have to consult a physician and disclose any potential exposure to the bacteria.

Additionally, those who have consumed the recalled smoked salmon should watch for symptoms over the next weeks, as symptoms of listeriosis may take up to 70 days post-exposure to appear. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, continuous fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Diagnosing listeria requires specific laboratory tests because its symptoms can resemble other illnesses.

Particularly vulnerable groups include the elderly, pregnant women, their unborn babies, infants under one month, and those with compromised immune systems.

"At Foppen Seafood, we operate to the highest standards of health, safety and quality control. We have taken immediate steps to address this isolated incident and we are collaborating closely with Kroger and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure a swift resolution," the company stated.

Consumers in possession of the recalled salmon are advised to either throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement.