A familiar favorite found in many homes has just been flagged for potential health risks.

A new warning was issued after an ingredient used in multiple food items tested positive for dangerous contamination.

Although there hasn’t been a full recall, health officials are urging immediate caution.

And if you’ve recently picked up a certain kind of ready-to-eat salad, you’ll want to double-check the label.



Two popular ham salad products have been linked to an ongoing contamination issue.

According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the concern comes from Listeria monocytogenes found in breadcrumbs used to make the salads.

While no recall has been issued yet, officials have released a public health alert, meaning the risk is serious enough for consumers to stop eating the affected items immediately.


The breadcrumbs were supplied by Newly Weds Foods and have already been tied to recalls in other products, including tuna salads.

Now, they’ve been identified in two ready-to-eat ham salads that may still be in your fridge.

The products under alert​

• Reser’s Fine Foods Ham Salad: 12-ounce plastic tubs with a sell-by date of September 1, 2025

• Molly’s Kitchen Ham Salad: 5-pound plastic tubs with a sell-by date of August 31, 2025

Both products were sold to distributors and retailers for use in delis, sandwiches, and take-home meals. More photos of the product labels have been posted by FSIS online to help customers identify them.

What to do if you bought one​

If you’ve purchased one of the ham salads listed above, do not eat it—even if it smells and looks normal.

Here’s what FSIS recommends:

1. Toss it or return it: Dispose of the product safely or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
2. Clean your refrigerator: Listeria can survive and spread in cold temperatures, so disinfect any areas or items that touched the product.
3. Watch your health: Listeriosis symptoms can show up within days or even weeks after consuming contaminated food.

Also read: Popular ice cream bars recalled in 23 states due to listeria concerns

Symptoms to watch out for​

If you’ve eaten the product, monitor for signs of Listeria infection, including:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache or stiff neck
• Loss of balance or confusion
• Nausea or diarrhea

Those at highest risk include older adults, pregnant individuals, people with weakened immune systems, and newborns.

If you experience any of the above symptoms—especially if you fall into one of these risk groups—contact your healthcare provider right away.

Why this matters for seniors​

Listeria monocytogenes isn’t just another foodborne bug. It can cause serious illness in vulnerable groups and, in rare cases, even lead to death.

That’s why FSIS is urging people not to take any chances, even though this is just a health alert and not an official recall.

How it all started​

The issue began when breadcrumbs used in ready-to-eat foods tested positive for Listeria.

These breadcrumbs were later traced back to Newly Weds Foods, which triggered a wave of health warnings across different food categories.

The same ingredient was used in ham salads sold under the Reser’s and Molly’s Kitchen labels.

That means even though the ham itself isn’t contaminated, the ingredient inside it may be—and that’s enough to make it dangerous.



Also read: FDA recalls tuna salad sold in multiple states due to listeria concerns

This incident is just the latest in a growing list of food safety alerts. Recent weeks have seen recalls due to plastic contamination in sausage products and other deli items.

Consumers with concerns can reach out directly to Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc. at 619-234-0345 or via email at [email protected]. And remember, your doctor is your best resource if you feel unwell.

Read next: Are you at risk? Contaminated soups spark urgent health alert in these 4 states
Have you ever had to toss food because of a health alert? How do you stay informed about recalls? Drop your tips or stories in the comments to help fellow readers stay safe.