Costco Kirkland Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke Listeria Poisoning & Wrongful Death Lawsuit Lawyers

Over 3,300 Pounds of Kirkland Ahi Tuna Sold in 33 States Recalled After Listeria-Contaminated Green Onions Linked to Serious Illness Threat

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in coordination with Costco, has issued an urgent food safety warning after the popular Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke was recalled across 33 states. The recall is linked to green onions used in the product that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections. This recall covers more than 3,300 pounds of product and raises alarm for consumers who may have already purchased or consumed it.

Listeria can be especially dangerous to pregnant women, older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. The risk of infection is not theoretical — listeriosis is one of the most deadly foodborne illnesses in the United States. Anyone who consumed the affected tuna poke product should be aware of the symptoms and act quickly if illness develops.

Details of the Recalled Costco Product

The affected item is Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke, sold in Costco deli sections and identified by item number #17193. A total of 3,314.7 pounds of this product were recalled. According to FDA reports, the issue originated with the green onions used in the product, which tested positive for Listeria. These green onions may have been contaminated before arriving at Costco’s facilities.

The product in question was:

• Packed on September 18, 2025
• Labeled with a “Sell By” date of September 22, 2025
• Sold in deli packaging in Costco warehouses across 33 U.S. states

Customers are being advised not to eat the product, even if it looks or smells normal. Instead, they should return the product to Costco for a full refund or discard it immediately.

Why Listeria Is So Dangerous

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium commonly found in soil, water, and some animals. Unlike many foodborne pathogens, it thrives in cold temperatures, meaning refrigeration does not prevent its spread. Contaminated produce, dairy products, or meats can pass Listeria on to consumers if not properly cooked or sanitized.

Health risks vary by population:

• Pregnant women may experience only mild symptoms, but the bacteria can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, or premature delivery.
• Newborns and infants may suffer from long-term neurological damage or life-threatening infections.
• Older adults and immunocompromised individuals face a higher risk of sepsis, meningitis, or death.

Even otherwise healthy individuals may develop severe symptoms requiring hospitalization, especially when Listeria reaches the bloodstream or nervous system.

Symptoms of Listeriosis and When to Seek Help

Listeria infection, or listeriosis, often begins with flu-like symptoms that may go unnoticed until more serious problems develop. Symptoms can appear a few days to several weeks after exposure. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

If the infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal system, more severe symptoms may develop:

• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Seizures

Pregnant women, even if mildly symptomatic, must be evaluated promptly due to the risk to the fetus. Any individual who believes they may have consumed the recalled Kirkland Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke and experiences any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

Where the Product Was Distributed

Costco confirmed that the recalled item was sold in warehouses across the following 33 states:

Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.

Given this wide geographic distribution, the risk to consumers is significant. Those living in any of these states should review their purchase receipts or examine any refrigerated food items that may match the product description.

What Consumers Should Do Immediately

The FDA and Costco have outlined specific instructions for consumers:

• Do not consume the recalled tuna poke. Even if it appears safe, it may be contaminated.
• Return the product to Costco for a full refund. Most warehouses will accept the return without a receipt.
• Check product labels carefully. Look for item #17193, packaging date of September 18, 2025, and a sell-by date of September 22, 2025.
• Dispose of the product if it’s still in your home. Use sealed containers or bags to avoid cross-contamination.
• Clean any surfaces, utensils, or refrigerators that came in contact with the product. Listeria can linger on surfaces and contaminate other foods.
• Watch for symptoms. Anyone who experiences symptoms of Listeria infection after consuming the recalled product should seek medical advice and mention the possible exposure to healthcare providers.

Legal Rights for Consumers Harmed by Listeria Contamination

Food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have a legal obligation to ensure that the products they sell are safe for consumption. When this duty is violated and consumers become sick or die, legal action may be warranted. Affected individuals may have the right to file a product liability lawsuit or wrongful death claim if they or a family member became seriously ill or passed away after consuming the recalled product.

Compensation may cover:

• Emergency room and hospitalization expenses
• Long-term medical care and rehabilitation
• Lost income and lost earning capacity
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Emotional suffering, loss of companionship, or other non-economic damages

Proving a connection between an illness and a recalled food product typically involves medical testing, FDA data, product records, and symptom timelines. Legal teams experienced in foodborne illness litigation can help gather this evidence to support a claim.

Kirkland Tuna Listeria Recall Lawsuit FAQs

1. What is the recalled product?  The product is Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke with item #17193, packed on September 18, 2025, and marked with a “sell by” date of September 22, 2025. It was sold in the deli section at Costco stores.
2. Why is the product being recalled?  The product contains green onions that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious and even fatal illness, especially in vulnerable individuals.
3. Which states are affected?  The recalled product was distributed across 33 states, including Florida, New York, Texas, California, and many others. You should check the full list to determine if your area is included.
4. What are the symptoms of Listeria infection?  Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, headache, confusion, and stiff neck. In pregnant individuals, the infection may result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery.
5. How long after eating contaminated food can symptoms appear?  Listeria symptoms may appear within 1 to 4 weeks, though they can show up as early as a few days or as late as 70 days after exposure.
6. Can I file a lawsuit if I got sick from the product?  Yes. If you were diagnosed with listeriosis after eating the recalled tuna poke, you may be eligible to pursue a lawsuit for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
7. What if my loved one died due to Listeria?  You may have a wrongful death claim. Immediate family members can seek compensation for funeral expenses, emotional loss, and financial impact.
8. Is a receipt required to file a lawsuit?  While a receipt helps, legal teams may use medical records, purchase patterns, and product lot tracing to establish your claim.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or someone you love suffered illness after eating Kirkland Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke, you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and more. At Parker Waichman LLP, our national food injury attorneys are actively investigating claims related to this urgent recall.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and take legal action to hold the responsible parties accountable. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.

Don’t wait. Protect your health and your future today.