A large amount of shrimp is being pulled off the market after a seafood company in Washington found something concerning during routine testing. If you recently bought shrimp, especially if you live in California, Oregon, or Washington, this is something you might want to check out.
Why was Bornstein Seafoods shrimp recalled?
The recall happened because a type of bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes was found in a sample during routine testing at the production facility.
Bornstein Seafoods, based in Bellingham, Washington, said the shrimp tested positive during what they called a “routine sampling program.”
In a public notice issued by the Food and Drug Administration on June 10, the company said:
“Listeria monocytogenes was detected in an in-process shrimp sample in a food production environment.”
The company has since stopped distributing the shrimp while they try to figure out exactly what caused the problem.
What is listeria and why is it serious?
Listeria monocytogenes is a kind of bacteria that can cause serious illness. It is especially dangerous for certain groups of people, including:
- Pregnant women
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
If someone eats food contaminated with listeria, they might experience symptoms like:
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
In severe cases, it can lead to more serious problems like miscarriage, stillbirth, or even death.
Which shrimp products are affected?
More than 44,000 pounds of ready-to-eat shrimp meat are part of the recall. These products were sent to:
- Retailers and distributors in California, Oregon, and Washington
- Customers in British Columbia, Canada
But here is the thing—you might have bought it somewhere else. The company said:
“Products may have been further distributed and sold at retailers nationwide.”
So, even if you live outside those states, you should still take a look at your shrimp just to be safe.
Are there any reported illnesses?
So far, there have been no reports of anyone getting sick from eating the shrimp. That is definitely good news. But health officials still recommend that you do not take any chances.
If you think you may have the recalled shrimp in your home:
- Do not eat it
- Throw it away or return it to the store where you bought it
- You can also call Bornstein Seafoods with any questions.
How can you stay safe from listeria in the future?
Here are a few simple things you can do to lower your risk:
- Always store seafood at the right temperature
- Cook shrimp and other seafood thoroughly
- Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw seafood
- Pay attention to recall notices like this one
Even though no illnesses have been linked to this recall, it is always better to stay informed and be cautious when it comes to food safety.
