Toxic Shrimp? 64,000 Pounds PULLED From Shelves

Undeclared sulfites in 64,000 pounds of Chicken of the Sea shrimp have triggered an FDA Class I recall, posing life-threatening risks to those with sensitivities.

Key Takeaways

• The FDA has issued its highest-level Class I recall for approximately 64,000 pounds of Chicken of the Sea “Raw P&D Tail-On White Shrimp” due to undeclared sulfites, which can cause severe allergic reactions.
• The recall affects about 3,200 cases of frozen shrimp distributed exclusively to Whole Foods stores nationwide, used in their in-store deli sections.
• Tri-Union Frozen Products initiated the voluntary recall on May 6, with the FDA elevating it to Class I status on June 24, indicating potential for serious health consequences or death.
• People with asthma are particularly vulnerable to sulfite reactions, with the FDA estimating that while less than 1% of Americans are sulfite-sensitive, the rate is higher among those with asthma.
• The affected products are packaged in 5-pound frozen blocks with UPC code 1 08432370 0405 5 and specific lot numbers and best-by dates.

FDA Issues Highest-Level Recall Over Dangerous Allergen

The Food and Drug Administration has escalated concerns over a major seafood recall to its most serious classification. Approximately 64,000 pounds of frozen white shrimp distributed by Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods, also known as Tri-Union Frozen Products, have been recalled due to undeclared sulfites. The recall, initially voluntary when announced on May 6, was elevated to Class I status on June 24, indicating the FDA considers the undisclosed allergen capable of causing serious health consequences or death. This classification represents the agency’s most severe recall category, reserved for situations with reasonable probability of serious adverse health effects.

The affected products were sold exclusively to Whole Foods locations across the United States, where they were used in the retailer’s in-store deli sections. The recall encompasses approximately 3,200 cases of “Raw P&D Tail-On White Shrimp” packaged in 5-pound individually quick frozen (IQF) blocks, with four blocks per case. Consumers can identify the affected products by the UPC code 1 08432370 0405 5 and specific lot numbers and best-by dates listed in the recall notice. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency first detected the issue, prompting distributor Seven Seas Fish Co. Ltd. to alert U.S. authorities.

Sulfite Sensitivity Creates Serious Health Risks

Sulfites represent a particularly dangerous undeclared allergen that can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals. These preservatives, while common in many food products, can cause potentially life-threatening responses in those with sulfite sensitivities. According to FDA estimates, less than 1% of the general U.S. population experiences sulfite sensitivity, but the rate is significantly higher among people with asthma. For these vulnerable individuals, exposure can trigger respiratory distress, hives, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock requiring immediate medical intervention.

The lack of proper labeling on these products created a serious health hazard for consumers with known sensitivities who had no way to identify the presence of this potentially dangerous allergen. For asthmatics especially, who represent a disproportionate percentage of those affected by sulfite reactions, consuming these mislabeled products could trigger severe bronchospasm or other serious respiratory complications. The recall highlights the critical importance of accurate ingredient labeling, particularly for known allergens that can cause severe adverse reactions in susceptible individuals.

Regulatory Oversight and Consumer Protection

This incident underscores the essential role of regulatory agencies in monitoring food safety and ensuring proper ingredient disclosure. The FDA’s escalation to a Class I recall demonstrates the seriousness with which the government takes allergen labeling violations, particularly when they involve substances capable of causing severe reactions. The agency’s swift action following the Canadian authorities’ discovery of the undeclared allergen reflects the international cooperation necessary to protect consumers in our global food supply chain.

The recall remains ongoing, with updates being provided by both Whole Foods and the FDA. Consumers who have purchased the affected products or have consumed shrimp from Whole Foods deli counters are advised to check with the retailer about potential exposure. Those with known sulfite sensitivities should be particularly vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction after consuming these or similar products. This situation serves as a stark reminder of why conservatives have long supported maintaining robust regulatory frameworks for food safety while simultaneously fighting against unnecessary bureaucratic overreach in other areas.