Key Development

The Food Safety Authority of the United States (FSIS) has issued a nationwide public health alert for certain ready-to-eat ham salad products. These products may be unsafe because they contain breadcrumb ingredients that are suspected to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium that can cause serious illness.

Products Under Alert

12-ounce (approx. 340 g) tubs of Reser’s Fine Foods Ham Salad
→ Best before: September 1, 2025

5-pound (approx. 2.27 kg) tubs of Molly’s Kitchen Ham Salad
→ Best before: August 31, 2025

These products were made by Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc., based in Topeka, Kansas, USA, and have the official USDA inspection label.

Why Is This Important?

The alert was issued after it was found that the breadcrumbs used in these products—regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—were recalled due to potential Listeria contamination.

Listeria infection, also called listeriosis, can be especially dangerous for:

• Pregnant women and newborns
• Older adults
• People with weakened immune systems

Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, stomach problems, and in serious cases, confusion or even miscarriage.

What Should You Do?

If you live outside the U.S. but have access to imported American foods, check your refrigerator. If you have purchased these ham salad products:

• Do not eat them
• Return them to the store, or
• Safely throw them away

Retailers are also advised not to sell or serve these items.

Feeling Unwell?

If you have eaten these products and experience flu-like symptoms, especially if you are in a high-risk group, seek medical help immediately and mention the food you consumed.

Need Help or Have Questions?

• U.S. residents can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-674-6854
• Complaints can also be submitted online at: foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov

Source: U.S Department of Agriculture