Chicken of the Sea recalls 64,000 pounds of shrimp from Whole Foods stores nationwide due to undeclared sulfites that could cause life-threatening reactions in asthmatic consumers.
Key Takeaways
- The FDA issued their highest-level Class I recall for approximately 64,000 pounds of Chicken of the Sea frozen shrimp sold exclusively to Whole Foods.
- The recall affects about 3,200 cases of “Raw P&D Tail-On White Shrimp” packaged in 5-pound frozen blocks.
- Undeclared sulfites pose serious health risks, particularly to asthmatic individuals who represent a significant portion of sulfite-sensitive consumers.
- The voluntary recall was initiated on May 6 but escalated to a Class I status on June 24, indicating potential risk of serious health consequences or death.
FDA Issues Highest-Level Recall Classification
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified a major shrimp recall as Class I, their most serious designation indicating potential for severe health consequences or death. Approximately 64,000 pounds of frozen shrimp distributed by Tri-Union Frozen Products, doing business as Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods, are affected by this recall. The company voluntarily initiated the action on May 6, but the FDA elevated its status to Class I on June 24 after determining the significant health risk posed by undeclared sulfites in the product.
The recall specifically targets “Raw P&D Tail-On White Shrimp” sold in 5-pound frozen blocks, with approximately 3,200 cases distributed exclusively to Whole Foods markets across the United States. This product was primarily used in Whole Foods’ in-store deli departments rather than sold directly to consumers in its packaged form. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency first announced the recall through distributor Seven Seas Fish Co. Ltd., highlighting the international scope of the supply chain involved.
Health Risks from Undeclared Sulfites
Sulfites serve as preservatives in many food products but can trigger dangerous reactions in sensitive individuals. The FDA estimates that less than 1% of the general U.S. population experiences sulfite sensitivity, but this percentage increases significantly among people with asthma. For these vulnerable consumers, exposure to undeclared sulfites can cause symptoms ranging from mild respiratory distress to potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions, which explains the FDA’s urgent Class I designation for this recall.
The lack of proper labeling represents a serious regulatory violation that puts sensitive consumers at risk. Ingredient transparency stands as a fundamental consumer protection principle, especially for potentially harmful additives like sulfites. The FDA requires clear labeling of sulfites on food products precisely because of these health risks. This recall highlights ongoing concerns about food labeling accuracy and the crucial role that proper disclosure plays in protecting public health.
Product Identification and Consumer Response
Consumers can identify the recalled product by its UPC code: 1 08432370 0405 5, along with specific lot numbers and best-by dates provided in the recall notice. While the product was primarily distributed for use in Whole Foods’ deli departments rather than sold directly to consumers in its original packaging, anyone who believes they may have purchased food containing these shrimp should contact their local Whole Foods for verification. The recall remains ongoing, with both Whole Foods and the FDA providing updates.
This incident represents another example of the critical importance of regulatory oversight in our food supply system. The FDA’s recall classification system provides an essential framework for addressing potential health hazards and ensuring appropriate responses from both manufacturers and retailers. For consumers with known sensitivities to additives like sulfites, such regulatory actions provide a vital safety net against inadvertent exposure to unlabeled ingredients that could trigger serious health complications.
