The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its highest risk classification for approximately 64,000 pounds of recalled shrimp sold across the United States.
The FDA’s Class I recall — reserved for fears of serious health issues or death — applies to about 3,200 cases of frozen shrimp distributed to Whole Foods stores.
Tri-Union Frozen Products, also known as Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods, issued a voluntary recall for its “Raw P&D Tail-On White Shrimp” due to “undeclared sulfites” on May 6. The FDA designated it a Class I recall on June 24.
Newsweek contacted Tri-Union and Whole Foods via email on Wednesday for further details.
Why It Matters
A Class I risk classification represents “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to the FDA.
This recall impacted consumers nationwide who purchased shrimp from Whole Foods, heightening public safety concerns regarding seafood contamination and mislabeling.
Prompt notification enables consumers to avoid illness and demonstrates the role of regulatory agencies in maintaining public safety.
What To Know
The FDA notice said the shrimp were “sold exclusively to Whole Foods USA.”
“Whole Foods uses some of the product for its retail in-store deli,” it added. “Product was distributed to various Whole Foods stores across the country. The remaining portion of the lot, is passed through to a downstream customer in Canada.”
Key Recall Details
- The product description reads: “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
- 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.
Why Was the Shrimp Recalled?
The shrimp contained “undeclared sulfites,” the FDA said.
Sulfites are a group of sulfur-based compounds commonly used in foods as preservatives and to maintain color and freshness. They are often found in processed foods, wines, dried fruit, and some seafood products. The FDA requires that foods containing at least 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulfites to declare this on their packaging, as exposure can affect consumers with sensitivities.
While most individuals can tolerate sulfites without issue, people with sulfite sensitivity — especially those with asthma — may experience serious reactions. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, hives, abdominal pain, or, rarely, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Serious reactions can occur within minutes of exposure.
The FDA estimates that less than one percent of the U.S. population is sulfite-sensitive, though the number is higher among individuals with asthma.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that approximately 25 million Americans had asthma as of 2021. Of these, research indicates that about 5-10 percent (or approximately 1.25–2.5 million people) could react to sulfites.
What Happens Next
The FDA said the recall remains ongoing.
The post Natiowide Shrimp Recall Update as FDA Sets Highest Alert appeared first on Newsweek.
