Newly Weds Foods ham salad recall has triggered a nationwide health warning after ready-to-eat ham salad products were found to contain a potentially contaminated ingredient. Food safety authorities have urged consumers to take immediate precautions if they recently purchased ham salad products from major deli and grocery outlets.
The alert was issued after it was discovered that breadcrumbs supplied by Newly Weds Foods, a popular food ingredient manufacturer, may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. These breadcrumbs were used in select ham salad items distributed under multiple brand labels.
Which Products Are Impacted?
Two primary ham salad products are affected by this warning:
- Ham Salad in 12 oz plastic tubs with a sell-by date of September 1, 2025
- Ham Salad in 5 lb tubs typically used in foodservice or deli counters, with a sell-by date of August 31, 2025
While the ham salad items themselves are not being officially recalled, they contain an ingredient—breadcrumbs—that has tested positive for listeria. Therefore, food safety officials are treating the situation with the highest caution.
What Is Listeria and Why Is It Dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis. This condition is particularly risky for:
- Pregnant women
- Newborns
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
Symptoms of listeriosis may include:
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Headache and confusion in severe cases
Listeria can be life-threatening in extreme cases, and symptoms may not appear until weeks after consuming the contaminated food.
What Should Consumers Do Now?
If you have purchased any of the affected ham salad products:
- Do not consume them, even if they look or smell normal.
- Dispose of them immediately in a secure trash container.
- Clean and disinfect any surfaces or containers that came in contact with the product.
- Monitor your health for symptoms of listeriosis if you’ve consumed any of the affected items recently.
Consumers who are unsure whether their product is affected should check the packaging date and product weight. If in doubt, it’s safest to throw it out.
Businesses and Retailers: Immediate Action Required
Retailers and food service providers must:
- Remove affected products from shelves and inventory.
- Notify staff about the issue to avoid serving the products.
- Return any unused quantities to the supplier if permitted.
- Sanitize display areas and containers where the products were stored or displayed.
Product Snapshot
Below is a quick summary for easy reference:
| Product Type | Size | Sell-by Date | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deli Ham Salad | 12 oz tub | Sep 1, 2025 | Do not consume. Discard. |
| Bulk Ham Salad | 5 lb tub | Aug 31, 2025 | Do not serve. Discard. |
How Did This Happen?
The breadcrumb ingredient used in these ham salads originated from a single supplier, Newly Weds Foods. Routine testing during distribution revealed the presence of listeria in some of these breadcrumb batches. Once the connection to the ham salad products was confirmed, authorities swiftly issued a public health alert.
This incident has once again raised concerns about ingredient traceability in pre-packaged food products. When one component is contaminated, it can impact multiple brands, products, and retail chains within days.
No Reported Illnesses—Yet
As of now, there have been no confirmed illnesses tied directly to these ham salad products. However, health officials continue to monitor the situation and encourage consumers to report any suspected foodborne illness to local health departments.
How to Stay Safe Moving Forward
Here are some safety tips you can follow at home:
- Always check food packaging for product codes and sell-by dates
- Store ready-to-eat items at the correct refrigerator temperatures
- Clean your refrigerator shelves regularly
- Discard any questionable food, even if it’s within date
It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to listeria contamination, as the bacteria can survive in cold environments like your refrigerator and spread to other foods easily.
Consumers are encouraged to stay vigilant and share this update with friends, family, and colleagues who may have purchased similar items. Have a question or want to share your experience with the product? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you.