Aldi Product Recalled Over ‘Life-Threatening’ Allergen, FDA Warns

A frozen seafood product sold at Aldi stores in three U.S. states has been recalled due to an undeclared allergen, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Santa Monica Seafood, based in Rancho Dominguez, California, is voluntarily recalling its 16-ounce packages of Atlantic salmon portions with seafood stuffing after discovering that the product contains soy, a common allergen, which is not listed on the label.

"People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy risk a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product," the FDA said in a recall notice issued May 24.

The affected salmon was distributed to Aldi stores in Arizona, California, and Nevada. The packaging includes a use or freeze-by date of June 2, 2025, which can be found on the front of the package, printed on the white portion of the label beneath the product image.

The labeling issue was discovered during a routine inspection of label proofs following a completed production batch, according to the company. While no allergic reactions or illnesses have been reported as of the announcement date, the recall was issued out of an abundance of caution.

Consumers who purchased the affected salmon are urged not to eat it and instead return the product to Aldi for a full refund. Customers with questions can contact Santa Monica Seafood at 800-969-8862, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Understanding Food Allergies

Food allergies can cause a range of reactions, from mild symptoms like itching or hives to more severe outcomes such as difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis, or even death. Reactions can occur within minutes of eating a trigger ingredient, although in some cases symptoms may be delayed for several hours.

The nine most common food allergens in the United States, often referred to as the "Big Nine," are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. Federal law requires manufacturers to clearly list all ingredients, including major allergens, on food labels to help consumers avoid potentially dangerous exposures.

Both the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture enforce regulations to ensure accurate food labeling and respond to potential risks through investigations and recalls when necessary.

How to Report a Problem

If you believe you’ve experienced an allergic reaction or foodborne illness after consuming a recalled or contaminated food product, seek medical attention. Call 911 in an emergency.

You should also report the incident to your local health department, which helps public health officials identify outbreaks and prevent others from becoming sick.

To report problems with non-meat food products, such as seafood, contact the FDA at 888-723-3366 or file a report online through the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal.