Costco issues urgent recall on nuts

A new food recall is issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at least once a week. The recalls are related to allergens, possible bacterial or lead contaminations, and the potential presence of glass, wood, plastic or other foreign material that should not be in our food.

So far, over the last year, according to the FDA’s website, major food recalls have included:

• Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon (Kraft Heinz)
• Good & Gather Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl Blend
• Hormel Foods – Dinty Moore Beef Stew
• Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op and Sunrise Creamery Cheeses
• Sprout Organics Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach
• Trader Joe's Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds
• MyHeart baby formula

And the list goes on.

Now, Costco members in Hawaii are being urged to check their pantries for a popular baking ingredient after American Nuts, LLC issued a voluntary recall of nuts due to potential Salmonella contamination.

A letter sent to Costco members on Dec. 5 warns customers not to consume the affected macadamia nuts and to return the product for a full refund.

Costco says the recall was initiated in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What Costco members need to know about this recall

According to the recall notice, the affected product is potentially contaminated with Salmonella:

• Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Co. Baking Nuts
• 20-ounce package
• Item #1840464
• Lot code: 307HMNC25L3
• Sold at the Costco Hawaii Kai warehouse
• Purchase dates: Nov. 29 – Dec. 4, 2025

Related: Voluntary vs. mandatory food recalls: what you should know

Costco members who bought the nuts during the last week of November and the first week of December are advised to check the lot code printed on the back of the package. If the code matches, the nuts should not be eaten under any circumstances.

Customers can return the product to Costco for a full refund, even if the package has been opened.

Why the recall is urgent

Salmonella is a common cause of foodborne illness in the United States. Symptoms typically include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache

If they get sick, most healthy adults recover within a week without medical treatment, but the bacteria can pose serious risks to children younger than five, adults older than 65, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Related: Costco members voice major shopping complaint

"Salmonellosis is the second leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that it causes over 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations, and nearly 420 deaths annually," Dr. Kim Cook, national program leader for the USDA Agricultural Research Service's Nutrition, Food Safety/Quality program, told the USDA.

The recall notice does not state whether any illnesses have been reported, and early recalls like this often occur before confirmed cases appear.

Costco has faced a series of recalls recently

The macadamia nut recall is the latest in a string of product safety notices affecting Costco members in recent months. Recent warnings listed on Costco’s recall page include recalls related to:

• Consumer packaged foods
• Frozen items
• Household and personal-care products

Costco regularly alerts members via email and in-warehouse postings when a product they purchased may present a health or safety issue.

The company’s recall response process, including refunds and direct outreach, is considered one of the more proactive in the retail industry.

• Caesar Salad and Chicken Sandwich Prepared Items: A batch of Costco’s Caesar Salad (item #19927) and Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad (item #11444) were recalled in November 2025 due to the potential presence of plastic foreign material in the dressing.
• Kirkland Signature Organic Eggs: Costco recalled Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-count eggs in 2024 because of a Salmonella contamination risk; affected cartons were sold in multiple Southeast states.
• Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke: A deli item containing green onions was voluntarily pulled from Costco stores in September 2025 because of a potential listeria contamination.
• Foster Farms Corn Dogs: Corn dogs sold in Costco and other retailers were recalled in November 2025 when wood chips were found in the batter coating the hot dog.
• Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene Prosecco was recalled in September 2025 after reports of the bottles shattering, even when unopened.
  Source: Costco Recalls

What to do if you have this Costco product

Costco and American Nuts advise customers to:

• Check the lot code on your package.
• Do not eat the product if it matches the recalled lot.
• Return it to any Costco warehouse for a refund.
• For further support or product questions, Contact American Nuts at (818) 364-8855, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific, or via email at [email protected].