Newly Weds Foods Recalls Ham Salad Over Listeria Risk

Chicago, IL – July 29, 2025 – A trusted name in the food industry, Newly Weds Foods, has issued a voluntary recall that’s caught national attention. The reason? Ham salad products distributed across the Midwest may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that poses serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups like pregnant women and older adults.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about this recall—from what products are affected to how to stay safe.

Key Takeaways:

• Newly Weds Foods recalled ham salad due to Listeria risk (July 29, 2025).
• Affected products were sold in IL, IN, MI, WI, made between July 5–18.
• Listeria can cause serious illness, especially in pregnant women and the elderly.
• No illnesses reported yet; recall issued after routine lab testing.
• Consumers should check labels, avoid eating, and return or dispose of the product.
• The company halted production and is enhancing safety controls.
• FDA and USDA are monitoring the situation.
• Visit the FDA Recalls Portal for updates.

What Sparked the Ham Salad Recall?

Newly Weds Foods recalled ham salad products in July 2025 after routine testing revealed potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria that can cause serious illness in at-risk populations.

The company discovered the issue during standard quality checks. A third-party lab, hired to perform routine microbial testing, detected the presence of Listeria in certain product samples. While no illnesses have been reported as of July 29, the company didn’t wait. They pulled the affected products immediately as a precautionary step.

Which Products Were Recalled?

The recalled ham salad was sold under different labels and primarily supplied to retail delis and food service providers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. All the affected items were produced between July 5 and July 18, 2025.

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Table: Newly Weds Foods Recalls Ham Salad Over Listeria Risk

Product Name	Size	Lot Code Range	Expiration Date	States Distributed
Ham Salad	5 lbs	070524 to 071824	Aug 1 – Aug 15	IL, IN, MI, WI
Ham Salad (Bulk Pack)	10 lbs	070524 to 071824	Aug 1 – Aug 15	Retail delis/foodservice

If you’ve recently picked up ham salad from a deli or restaurant in these states, check the packaging or ask the vendor about the lot code and production date.

What Is Listeria and Why Is It Dangerous?

Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria found in soil and water, but it can become deadly when it contaminates food. It causes listeriosis, an illness that can lead to hospitalization or even death in severe cases.

Common Symptoms of Listeriosis:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stiff neck

For pregnant women, the risks are especially alarming. Listeria can lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, or stillbirth.

Direct Tip for Readers:
If you’ve eaten ham salad recently and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, especially if you’re in a high-risk group, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

How Was the Contamination Discovered?

The contamination came to light through routine food safety testing, not because of a customer complaint. According to Newly Weds Foods, their third-party laboratory partner flagged the bacteria as part of ongoing compliance checks.

In response, the company has:

• Stopped production of the product in question
• Deep-cleaned manufacturing equipment
• Enhanced microbial control systems
• Notified retailers and distributors immediately

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What Should You Do if You Bought the Product?

If you purchased any ham salad between July 6 and July 28, 2025, here’s what you should do:

1. Check the label – Look for lot codes between 070524 and 071824
2. Do NOT consume the product
3. Dispose of it safely or return it to the store where purchased
4. Disinfect any surfaces the product may have touched

Retailers have also been asked to pull all affected items from shelves and update their inventory systems.

Did the Company Make a Statement?

Yes. Newly Weds Foods issued a public statement that reads:

“We are deeply committed to food safety and transparency. While no illnesses have been reported, we are taking every measure to ensure our products remain safe and high quality.”

This level of transparency is being viewed positively by food safety experts, who commend companies that act quickly before an outbreak occurs.

Are There Legal or Regulatory Ramifications?

Even though this was a voluntary recall, the FDA and the USDA’s FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) are closely monitoring the case.

Here’s what could happen next:

• If any illness is traced back to the recalled ham salad, lawsuits or class-action claims could follow
• Retailers may seek reimbursement for pulled inventory
• The company could face increased inspection frequency or stricter safety regulations

More updates are expected as the situation develops.

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Do Listeria Recalls Happen Often?

Unfortunately, yes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria-related recalls are not uncommon. Deli meats, cheeses, and pre-packaged salads are especially vulnerable because they’re often eaten without further cooking.

In past years, similar recalls have involved brands both big and small—emphasizing the need for strict hygiene and monitoring across the board.

Can Consumers Still Trust Newly Weds Foods?

This isn’t the company’s first experience handling food safety challenges. Their swift, transparent actions—along with halting production and cleaning their facilities—are helping to maintain consumer trust.

That said, long-term loyalty will likely depend on:

• Sharing lab results publicly
• Issuing timely updates via press and social media
• Offering refunds or store credit to affected customers

Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call for Everyone

This recall is a strong reminder of the importance of food safety, especially in ready-to-eat products. Even well-established companies are not immune to contamination risks. But how they respond can make all the difference.

For now, if you live in the Midwest and recently enjoyed a ham salad, take a moment to double-check the label. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

🔗 Stay Informed:

To keep up with food recalls, visit the FDA Recalls Portal.