Breadcrumb contamination triggers recall of popular ham salad products distributed nationwide

A familiar picnic staple is under urgent scrutiny this week after Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) issued a recall for ready-to-eat ham salad products linked to a national Listeria scare.

At the center of the recall are bread crumbs, of all things.

Health officials confirmed that two well-known brands—Reser’s Fine Foods and Molly’s Kitchen—distributed ham salad products that used breadcrumb ingredients manufactured by Newly Weds’ Foods, a supplier whose products are now part of a nationwide Listeria recall.

So far, no illnesses have been reported, but authorities aren’t taking chances.

What’s Recalled—and Why It Matters

The affected products include:

• 12-ounce plastic tubs labeled “Reser’s Fine Foods Ham Salad” with sell-by dates of September 1, 2025

• 5-pound clear plastic tubs labeled “Molly’s Kitchen Ham Salad” with sell-by dates of August 31, 2025

Both items are ready-to-eat deli products, often used in sandwiches, on crackers, or as part of cold lunch plates. They were distributed nationwide, including retailers in Mesa County.

The risk stems from the breadcrumbs mixed into the ham salad. According to officials, the crumbs may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes—a bacteria that can cause serious or even fatal infections in vulnerable individuals.

That includes:

• Pregnant women

• Older adults

• People with weakened immune systems

Healthy people may experience only short-term symptoms—fever, nausea, or diarrhea—but for others, Listeria can lead to septicemia, meningitis, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

The Breadcrumb Connection

Newly Weds’ Foods, a nationwide food ingredient supplier, recently triggered a large-scale recall of crumb-coated products—from chicken tenders to fish cakes—after Listeria was detected during routine safety testing.

It’s not yet clear how widespread the contamination is or how many secondary products are involved.

But the list is growing.

Bread crumbs are widely used as fillers, binders, and texture enhancers in cold-prepared foods, not just in breaded meats.

Ham salad, egg salad, tuna mix, and even vegetarian deli items can contain breadcrumbs, which serve as moisture retainers and stabilizers in processed spreads.

In this case, that tiny ingredient has led to a big disruption.

Local Response and Consumer Advice

Mesa County Public Health issued its alert late Monday, urging residents to check their refrigerators immediately.

“We know these products are popular in lunch kits, community potlucks, and grocery store delis,” said an MCPH official. “Even if you haven’t bought one recently, double-check with family members or caregivers who may have picked it up on your behalf.”

While no illnesses have yet been reported in Colorado or elsewhere, the recall is considered precautionary but serious.

Authorities recommend the following steps:

• Do not eat the recalled ham salad products

• Dispose of them in sealed containers to prevent accidental consumption by animals or others

• Sanitize any surfaces the containers may have touched in your refrigerator or kitchen

• If symptoms like high fever, muscle aches, or diarrhea develop after consuming the product, seek medical attention immediately

Consumers with questions can reach out to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 or by email at MPHotline@usda.gov

A Recurring Food Safety Concern

This isn’t the first time breadcrumbs have been implicated in a Listeria scare.

In 2023, multiple batches of pre-seasoned crumbs used in frozen meals were recalled in the Midwest. In 2021, frozen chicken nuggets were pulled from shelves for similar reasons.

The challenge, food safety experts say, is that ingredients like breadcrumbs often pass through multiple facilities, making it harder to pinpoint the original source of contamination.

“Crumbs seem innocent, but they’re often stored in bulk, mixed by machine, and shipped nationwide,” said a former FDA food safety inspector. “One bad batch can go a long way.”

What to Watch for Next

So far, no major grocery chains have issued standalone press statements about the recall. That could change if more retailers are found to have stocked the affected products.

National food safety investigators are continuing to trace the supply chain behind Newly Weds’ Foods’ breadcrumbs, while manufacturers like Reser’s and Molly’s Kitchen are expected to release additional information as the week unfolds.

In the meantime, public health agencies—including those in Mesa County—are urging the public to remain alert, not alarmed.

“Most people won’t get sick. But we don’t take risks when it comes to Listeria,” MCPH emphasized.

Recalled Product Summary

Distributed: Nationwide, including Mesa County
Risk: Possible Listeria contamination via breadcrumbs
Report Concerns To: USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 or MPHotline@usda.gov