Let’s cut to the chase: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall—that’s their highest level—for about 64,000 pounds of frozen shrimp packaged at retail stores across the United States.
The twist? The shrimp has undeclared sulfites, which would be hazardous for people with sulfite sensitivities. The product was distributed primarily to Whole Foods Market stores across the country.
This is not a minor glitch—it’s a food safety issue that can affect millions.
What products are involved?
The recall is by Tri-Union Frozen Products, also known as Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods, and is for their “Raw P&D Tail-On White Shrimp.”
The following is the information you need to watch out for:
- Product name: Raw P&D Tail-On White Shrimp
- Sold in 5 lb frozen IQF blocks (4 blocks per case)
- UPC: 1 08432370 0405 5
Lot numbers:
- 669/18WH/124
- 669/19WH/134
- 669/20WH/144
- 669/30VH/127
- 669/01HH/003
- 669/03HH/011
Best-by dates:
- July 18, 2026
- July 19, 2026
- July 20, 2026
- September 30, 2026
- October 1, 2026
- October 3, 2026
Whole Foods confirmed the shrimp was sold in their retail deli cases and in stores across the U.S. Some of it also ended up with a Canadian distributor, Seven Seas Fish Co. Ltd., but let’s focus on what’s in American freezers.
Why it matters
You might wonder—so what’s the big deal about sulfites?
For most people, they’re fine. But in individuals with sulfite sensitivity, especially those with asthma, sulfites can trigger violent symptoms, such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Hives or skin rash
- Stomach pain
- Even life-threatening anaphylaxis in some instances
The FDA estimates that about 1% of Americans are sulfite-sensitive. That’s as many as 2.5 million people, many of whom aren’t even conscious of it. So, yes, it’s a big deal.
What you should do
If you think you have one of the recalled products, do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the store. Whole Foods already posted the information about the recall on their site, and the FDA says the recall is still active.
Check your freezer too, even if you can’t remember buying shrimp—sometimes it becomes stuck at the back of the freezer and surprises you when you’re looking for frozen pizza.
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The bottom line
Food recalls don’t necessarily grace the front page, but this one’s not to be skipped. It’s not to frighten you—it’s to keep you healthy.
So go for it—do a quickie freezer cleanout. And next time you’re at the grocery store buying seafood, take a hard look at those labels.
You’re in control. Be safe and shrimp wisely.
