Alarm Bells Ring: Is Your Freezer at Risk? Major Shrimp Recall Sweeps the Nation

Food safety authorities are sounding the alarm for consumers nationwide. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its highest-risk classification, a Class I recall, for approximately 64,000 pounds of frozen shrimp distributed exclusively to Whole Foods Market stores across the United States. This top-tier warning indicates a "reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."

The voluntary recall, initially issued by Tri-Union Frozen Products (also known as Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods) on May 6, became a Class I recall on June 24. The critical issue? The "Raw P&D Tail-On White Shrimp" contains undeclared sulfites, a common preservative that can trigger severe, even life-threatening, allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Why This Recall Is a Class I Emergency

A Class I recall is the FDA's most serious designation. It's reserved for situations where consuming or being exposed to a product has a significant chance of causing severe health problems or even death. In this case, the danger comes from undeclared sulfites.

Sulfites are sulfur-based compounds widely used in the food industry to preserve freshness and prevent discoloration in various products, including wines, dried fruits, and some seafood. While most people can consume sulfites without issue, a significant portion of the population has a sensitivity or allergy.

For individuals with sulfite sensitivity, particularly those with asthma, exposure can lead to a range of severe symptoms, including:

• Difficulty breathing (ranging from wheezing to severe asthma attacks)
• Hives or skin rashes
• Abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea
• Anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction that can include swelling of the throat, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and shock).

These reactions can occur rapidly, often within minutes of consuming the contaminated product. The FDA estimates that less than one percent of the U.S. population is sulfite-sensitive, but this number climbs to 5-10 percent among individuals with asthma. Considering that approximately 25 million Americans have asthma, this recall could impact between 1.25 to 2.5 million people who are at risk.

Prompt notification and awareness are crucial to prevent illness, highlighting the vital role regulatory agencies like the FDA play in safeguarding public health.

Key Details: What You Need to Know About the Recalled Shrimp

The recalled shrimp was sold exclusively to Whole Foods USA. A portion of the recalled product was also distributed to a downstream customer in Canada, Seven Seas Fish Co. Ltd. Whole Foods has confirmed the recall update on its website, directing consumers to the distributor's information.

Here are the specific details to help you identify the recalled product:

• Product Description: Frozen Shrimp - packaged in 5lb frozen IQF blocks/4 blocks to a case.
• Unlabeled Case Packaging Reads: "Raw P&D Tail-On White Shrimp."
• UPC Code: 1 08432370 0405 5

Affected Lot Numbers:

• 669/18WH/124
• 669/19WH/134
• 669/20WH144
• 669/30VH/127
• 669/01HH/003
• 669/03HH011

Best-By Dates:

• July 18, 2026
• July 19, 2026
• July 20, 2026
• September 30, 2026
• October 01, 2026
• October 03, 2026

If you have purchased any shrimp matching these descriptions from Whole Foods, do not consume it. The FDA strongly advises consumers to either discard the product immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Staying Safe: Protecting Yourself from Recalled Products

This recall serves as a critical reminder for all consumers to remain vigilant about food safety. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your family:

Check Your Pantry and Freezer: Make it a habit to regularly check your stored food items against active recall lists.

Read Labels Carefully: Always read food labels thoroughly, especially if you have known allergies or sensitivities. The FDA requires sulfites over 10 ppm to be declared, but this recall highlights how critical it is for companies to comply.

Stay Informed: Keep an eye on official recall announcements from the FDA, USDA, and other reputable food safety agencies. Many government agencies offer email or text alerts for recalls.

When in Doubt, Throw It Out: If you suspect a product might be part of a recall or if it looks, smells, or tastes unusual, it's always safer to discard it.

Report Adverse Reactions: If you or someone you know experiences an adverse reaction after consuming a food product, report it to your healthcare provider and the FDA. Your report can help identify issues and prevent further illnesses.

The FDA and food manufacturers work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our food supply. However, incidents like this recall underscore the importance of consumer awareness and quick action to prevent serious health consequences. Don't take chances with your health – check your freezer today.