At the same time as Costco, the discount wholesale retailer, is digging in its heels and fighting ot keep its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies though other companies are taking advantage of the Trump presidency to ditch theirs, it is also dealing with a major recall over its sale of listeria-contaminated salmon.
As to the DEI matter, the Associated Press (AP) reported on Thursday, January 23, that Costco has decided to fight for its DEI programs and is “pushing back on a shareholder proposal that urges the wholesale club operator to conduct an evaluation of any business risks posed by its diversity, equity and inclusion practices.”
According to the AP report, Costco is suspected of boosting historically “marginalized” employees by discriminating against others, namely white men and Asian men, which make it potentially in violation of the law and under scrutiny by shareholders who see it as putting leftist political preferences ahead of profits.
Even as Costco digs in its heels to fight for DEI, other major companies are ditching their DEI programs. For example, in early January, McDonald’s announced that it would be paring back its DEI initiatives, as did Amazon. Further, META eliminated all of its DEI programs in a move seen by some as owner MArk Zuckerberg fighting back against some outside, more leftist influences on his company.
Adding to the woes of those companies that, like Costco, are trying to keep their DEI programs is that President Trump has shown himself to be quite hostile to such programs. Before his inauguration, for example, Trump said, “But we’re going to stop the destructive and divisive Diversity Equity and Inclusion mandates all across government and private sector and return our country to the merit system.”
The recall was announced in late October of 2024 but has become a noted news issue as of late given the potential that it might remain in people’s freezers. The FDA, announcing the recall on its website, said, “Acme Smoked Fish Corporation is issuing a recall of 111 cases of Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon in twin 12oz package, UPC 0 96619 25697 6, Lot# 8512801270, Best-by-Date 11/13/2024 due to laboratory testing confirming Listeria monocytogenes on October 21, 2024.”
Continuing, the FDA added, “Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.”
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The FDA further noted, “This product was distributed between October 9, 2024 to October 13, 2024. The product was distributed to the Southeast Costco Distribution Center located in West Palm Beach, Florida and Costco Warehouse stores in Florida. The Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon is vacuum packed in a black bordered plastic package, with a blue name of “Smoked Salmon” and an illustration of a salmon fish on the front.”
Commenting on what those who purchased the salmon should do, the FDA said, “Consumers who have purchased these products should not consume the products and are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or discard the product. Consumers with questions can call 718-383-8585 Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST or contact the recall coordinators:”
Watch the media report on this matter here: