A Bellevue-based seafood company has issued a recall of more than 80,000 bags of frozen raw shrimp after authorities determined the product was prepared...
Bellevue Seafood Company Recalls 80,000+ Bags of Frozen Raw Shrimp Over Insanitary Conditions — What Consumers Need to Know
A Bellevue-based seafood company has issued a recall of more than 80,000 bags of frozen raw shrimp after authorities determined the product was prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions. The recall affects a large volume of frozen shrimp distributed to retailers and consumers, prompting public-health guidance and next steps for anyone who may have purchased the product.
What happened
Officials identified unsanitary conditions at a facility linked to a Bellevue-based seafood company that prepared and packed frozen raw shrimp. Because of those conditions, the company voluntarily recalled over 80,000 bags of shrimp to prevent potential contamination and protect public health. At the time of reporting, the company has not publicly linked the recall to specific illnesses, but the measure was taken out of an abundance of caution.
Which products are affected
The recall covers more than 80,000 bags of frozen raw shrimp produced or handled at the implicated facility. Consumers should check packaging for product descriptions, production or lot numbers, and sell-by dates to determine whether their purchase is included. If you are unsure whether your bag of shrimp is part of the recall, consult the company’s recall notice or your retailer for confirmation.
Why this matters: food-safety risks and common contaminants
When seafood is prepared or stored in unsanitary conditions, the risk of bacterial, viral, or parasitic contamination increases. Common pathogens associated with raw shrimp and other seafood include Vibrio species, Salmonella, and norovirus. Symptoms of foodborne illness can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and in severe cases dehydration or bloodstream infections. People with weakened immune systems, older adults, young children, and pregnant people are at higher risk for severe illness.
What consumers should do now
- Do not eat the shrimp: If you suspect the shrimp in your freezer is part of the recalled lot, do not cook or consume it.
- Check packaging: Compare any identifying information—brand name, packaging labels, lot or batch numbers, and sell-by dates—against the official recall notice from the company or public health agency.
- Return or discard: Follow the company’s recall instructions. Many recalls allow consumers to return the product to the place of purchase for a refund or to safely dispose of it per local guidance.
- Monitor your health: If you or a family member ate the recalled shrimp and experience symptoms of foodborne illness, contact your healthcare provider. Report suspected foodborne illness to your local health department.
- Stay informed: Check the company’s website and public health agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or state health department for updated recall details and lists of affected lot numbers or retailers.
What regulators and retailers are doing
Regulatory agencies typically work with companies to investigate the source of insanitary conditions and to ensure corrective actions are taken to prevent recurrence. Retailers that sold the affected shrimp may remove the product from shelves and notify customers who used loyalty accounts or receipts to track purchases. If you bought the shrimp from a local store, contact that retailer for return or refund options.
How to prevent foodborne illness from seafood
- Buy from reputable sources and check packaging for integrity and proper labeling.
- Keep frozen seafood continuously frozen until cooking.
- Thaw shrimp safely in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave if you’ll cook it immediately.
- Cook shrimp to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or until opaque and firm; proper cooking reduces but does not eliminate risks introduced by serious contamination at the packing facility.
Takeaway
The recall of more than 80,000 bags of frozen raw shrimp by a Bellevue-based seafood company highlights the importance of sanitary handling and monitoring in the seafood supply chain. Consumers should stop using any shrimp that matches recall information, follow guidance from the retailer or company for returns or disposal, and consult public health resources for updates. If you become ill after consuming the product, seek medical attention and report the illness to local health authorities.
For the latest details, check official recall postings from the company involved, your state health department, or the FDA recall database.