Shrimp Sold at Whole Foods, Meijer and More Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Alysia Bebel
·2 min read

If you've purchased frozen shrimp from your local grocery store in the last few months, you may need to return the item for a refund or toss it completely.

Salmonella was found in a sample of frozen cooked shrimp from Avanti Frozen Foods in June, which was collected as part of the FDA's Imported Seafood Compliance Program, the CDC said. At that time, there were six illnesses, two of which resulted in hospitalizations.

The FDA has now expanded this recall since nine people across four states have been hospitalized with salmonella.

Avanti Frozen Foods shrimp was distributed nationwide between November 2020 and May 2021 at major retailers such as Meijer, Food Lion, Hannaford, Whole Foods and more.

A shape of a shrimp with frozen shrimp inside, overlaid by a recall button
A shape of a shrimp with frozen shrimp inside, overlaid by a recall button

Getty Images / devolmon / bigtunaonline

The investigation is still active, however in a statement on the FDA website, Avanti said that out of "an abundance of caution" it has expanded its initial recall to include shrimp products sold under the brand names: Big River, 365, Ahold, Censea, Chicken of the Sea, CWNO Brand, First Street, Food Lion, Harbor Banks, HOS, Hannaford, Honest Catch, Meijer, Nature's Promise, Open Acres, Sandbar, Sea Cove, Waterfront Bistro, Wellsley Farms and WFNO Brands. For full product descriptions, visit the FDA's website.

The CDC estimates Salmonella bacteria cause about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths in the United States every year. Food is the main source for most of these illnesses and should always be taken seriously.

Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps and can begin anywhere from six hours to six days after infection. The good news is that most people recover without treatment within four to seven days, however individuals concerned about the illness should contact their health care provider, especially if experiencing one or more severe symptoms of salmonella, which can include:

  • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F

  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving

  • Bloody diarrhea

  • So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down

  • Signs of dehydration, such as:

    • Not urinating (peeing) much

    • Dry mouth and throat

    • Feeling dizzy when standing up

If you have purchased any of these products, do not consume them and return them to your original place of purchase. Consumers with any questions can contact Avanti Frozen Foods at +914023310260/+914023310261 from Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. GMT.