Urgent Freezer Alert: Expanded Shrimp Recall Hits 31 States Over Bacterial Contamination Risk

An urgent alert is sweeping through kitchens across 31 states: Avanti Frozen Foods Pvt. Ltd. has significantly expanded its recall of various frozen cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp products. The reason? A serious potential threat of contamination with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a bacterium that can lead to severe gastrointestinal illness.

This isn't a drill—it's a critical food safety warning that demands immediate attention for anyone with frozen shrimp in their freezer.

Originally initiated in July 2021 and now expanded, this recall impacts a wide array of cooked frozen shrimp distributed to major retailers including Target, Meijer, Food Lion, Hannaford, H-E-B, Jewel Osco, Safeway, Stop & Shop, Whole Foods, and many more, under various brand names.

These products found their way into consumers' homes across Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Identifying the recalled products is crucial.

Consumers should meticulously check their freezer for any cooked, peeled, and deveined frozen shrimp. While specific UPC codes and best-by dates are numerous and detailed information can be found on the FDA’s official recall announcement, a general rule of thumb is to look for products from Avanti Frozen Foods Pvt.

Ltd. that fit this description and were purchased in the listed states. When in doubt, it’s always safest to err on the side of caution.

So, what exactly is Vibrio parahaemolyticus? It's a bacterium naturally found in certain marine environments. When consumed in contaminated food, it can cause vibriosis, an infection characterized by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.

While most healthy individuals recover within a few days, the illness can be far more severe—even life-threatening—for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. The FDA noted that these products were released to the market without being tested for this pathogen, underscoring the serious nature of the potential risk.

If you discover any of the recalled shrimp in your freezer, do NOT consume it.

The primary action is to immediately dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Even if the shrimp appears normal, the risk of contamination remains. Proper handling and cooking might reduce the risk, but with a confirmed recall, it is best to avoid consumption entirely.

Your health and safety are paramount.

Take a few moments to check your freezer, protect your family, and stay informed about this vital food safety alert. For the most up-to-date information and comprehensive lists of affected products, always refer to the official recall notices published by the FDA.