Costco’s Kirkland Ahi Tuna Poke Recalled: Listeria Risk in Green Onions Sparks Urgent Action
By Ethan Brooks |

If you snagged a Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke bowl from Costco’s deli last week, hit pause before digging in. Western United Fish Company has recalled roughly 3,315 pounds of this popular ready-to-eat dish due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination in its green onions. Sold on September 18, 2025, this recall follows another Costco food alert this month, raising the stakes for shoppers who rely on quick, protein-packed meals.
No illnesses have been reported, but with Listeria’s serious risks—especially for vulnerable groups—it’s time to check your fridge. Here’s everything you need to know about the recall, the health concerns, and how to stay safe while navigating Costco’s deli offerings.
What’s Being Recalled? The Details You Need
Affected Product and Distribution
The recall targets Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke (Costco Item #17193), packaged in clear plastic clamshell containers. It was packed on September 18, 2025, with a sell-by date of September 22, 2025, and sold in Costco deli sections across at least 32 states, including Alabama, Alaska, California, 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, and Wisconsin.
- Quantity: Approximately 3,315 pounds.
- Reason: Green onions tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during routine checks, not the tuna itself.
- Recall Level: Classified as Class I (high-risk) by the FDA.
This follows Costco’s recent prosecco recall for shattering risks, signaling a tough month for the retailer’s quality control.
Why Green Onions Are the Culprit
Listeria thrives in cold environments like deli cases, making ready-to-eat foods like poke prime targets. Green onions, often minimally processed, can pick up the bacteria during harvesting or packing, slipping through initial safety nets. This issue reflects broader 2025 challenges with fresh produce in pre-made meals.
Health Risks: Why Listeria Matters
Symptoms to Watch For
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria, varies in severity:
- Mild Cases: Flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, typically lasting 1-3 days.
- Severe Cases: Headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions, which can be life-threatening.
Healthy adults may shrug off milder symptoms, but the risks escalate for specific groups:
- Pregnant Women: Potential for miscarriages or stillbirths.
- Young Children, Elderly, or Immunocompromised: Higher odds of hospitalization or death.
The CDC reports about 1,600 U.S. listeriosis cases annually, with 260 fatalities, mostly among at-risk individuals. No cases are linked to this poke yet, but vigilance is key.
Act Fast if Symptoms Appear
If you consumed the recalled poke and feel unwell, contact a doctor immediately, especially if symptoms persist beyond a few days. Report potential cases to the FDA’s MedWatch program for tracking.
Your Action Plan: What to Do Now
Steps for Shoppers
- Check Your Purchase: Look for Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke in clamshell packs with a pack date of 9/18/2025 and sell-by date of 9/22/2025.
- Dispose or Return: Do not eat it. Securely toss it (double-bag to prevent cross-contamination) or return it to any Costco for a full refund—no receipt required.
- Sanitize Thoroughly: Clean any surfaces, utensils, or containers that touched the poke with hot, soapy water to avoid spreading bacteria.
How to Get Help
- Contact the Supplier: Reach Western United Fish Co. at (425) 558-7809 (7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. PT, Monday–Friday) or email [email protected] for questions.
- Monitor Updates: Check Costco’s recalls page or the FDA’s website for ongoing alerts.
- Stay Alert: Watch for symptoms like fever or gastrointestinal issues for up to 70 days post-consumption, as Listeria can incubate slowly.
The Bigger Picture: Navigating Food Safety at Costco
Why Recalls Keep Happening
This poke recall, hot on the heels of a tuna botulism scare earlier this year, underscores the challenges of sourcing fresh ingredients for high-volume ready-to-eat foods. Deli items like poke rely on complex supply chains, where produce like green onions can introduce risks. The FDA is working with Western United to trace the contamination source, urging better supplier protocols.
Tips to Shop Smarter
- Verify Dates: Always check pack and sell-by dates before buying deli items.
- Mix It Up: Balance pre-made meals with home-cooked to lower exposure risks.
- Use Alerts: Sign up for FDA or Costco recall notifications via their apps or websites.
- DIY Poke Fix: Craving poke? Make it at home with vetted ingredients—safer and customizable.
Stay Safe and Shop On
This recall is a reminder that even trusted retailers like Costco face supply chain hiccups. For busy shoppers leaning on deli shortcuts, it’s worth staying proactive: check labels, toss suspect items, and keep an eye on health alerts. Got this poke in your fridge? Act fast and share your experience below—how do you handle recall news? Let’s keep the conversation going.
Disclaimer: Information accurate as of September 21, 2025. Check Costco and FDA websites for the latest recall updates.