Breaking: Major Ham Salad Recall Sparks Food Safety Concerns Across America
July 29, 2025 – A serious food safety alert has been issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for popular ham salad products distributed nationwide. The recall affects thousands of families who may have these contaminated products in their refrigerators right now.
What Products Are Recalled?
The recall involves two major ham salad brands containing potentially deadly Listeria monocytogenes bacteria:
Reser’s Fine Foods Ham Salad
- Product: 12-oz. printed plastic tubs
- Brand: RESER’S FINE FOODS Ham Salad
- Sell-by Date: 09/01/25
- Distribution: Nationwide
Molly’s Kitchen Ham Salad
- Product: 5-lb. clear plastic tubs
- Brand: Molly’s Kitchen Ham Salad
- Distribution: Nationwide through retail stores
Why Were These Products Recalled?
The ham salad products contain FDA-regulated breadcrumb ingredients manufactured by Newly Weds Foods that have been recalled due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This dangerous bacteria can cause severe illness and even death in vulnerable populations.
Immediate Health Risks
Listeria monocytogenes poses serious health threats, especially for:
- Pregnant women (can cause miscarriage or stillbirth)
- Newborns and infants
- Adults over 65
- People with weakened immune systems
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Symptoms include:
- Fever and muscle aches
- Severe headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Confusion and loss of balance
What You Must Do RIGHT NOW
If You Have These Products:
- DO NOT EAT – Stop consumption immediately
- DISPOSE SAFELY – Throw away in a secure trash can or return to store
- CLEAN THOROUGHLY – Sanitize all surfaces that contacted the product
- SEEK MEDICAL HELP – Contact healthcare provider if you experience symptoms
Important: Freezing Does NOT Kill Listeria
Even if you froze the ham salad for later use, the bacteria remains dangerous. Discard frozen products immediately.
Nationwide Distribution Impact
These recalled ham salad products were distributed across all 50 states and may still be available in:
- Grocery store refrigerators
- Consumer home refrigerators and freezers
- Restaurant and food service locations
No illnesses have been reported yet, but health officials urge extreme caution.
How This Recall Happened
The contamination stems from Newly Weds Foods breadcrumb products used as ingredients in the ham salads. The company issued their own recall when routine testing revealed potential Listeria contamination, prompting the broader FSIS health alert.
Food Safety Expert Recommendations
Food safety experts emphasize the severity of Listeria contamination:
- Unlike many bacteria, Listeria grows even in refrigerated temperatures
- Contamination can spread to other foods through cross-contamination
- Thorough cleaning of refrigerators and food prep areas is essential
What Stores and Restaurants Should Do
Retail establishments are advised to:
- Remove all affected products from shelves immediately
- Check inventory for both brands and date codes
- Not sell or serve these products under any circumstances
- Accept returns from customers who purchased these items
Consumer Rights and Refunds
Customers who purchased the recalled ham salad products are entitled to:
- Full refunds from retailers
- No receipt required in most cases
- Safe disposal assistance if needed
Stay Updated on Food Safety Recalls
This recall highlights the importance of staying informed about food safety alerts. Consumers should:
- Register for FSIS recall notifications
- Check products before consumption
- Follow proper food storage and handling practices
- Report suspected foodborne illnesses to health authorities
Contact Information for Questions
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854)
- Available Monday-Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM ET
- Live chat available at fsis.usda.gov
The Bottom Line
This ham salad recall represents a serious food safety threat that requires immediate consumer action. The combination of nationwide distribution and dangerous Listeria contamination makes this one of the most significant food recalls of 2025.
Remember: When in doubt, throw it out. No food product is worth risking your family’s health and safety.