USA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella Weltevreden: Frozen Pre-cooked Shrimp (April 2021)

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, investigated a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Weltevreden infections linked to the consumption of frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods of India.

As of September 21, 2021, CDC announced that the outbreak is over. There are a total of nine illnesses in four states. The last illness onset date was July 17, 2021.

Based on FDA’s completed traceback investigation and sample results, the frozen cooked shrimp manufactured by Avanti Frozen Foods of India were linked to this outbreak. The FDA worked with Avanti Frozen Foods of India to ensure that potentially contaminated frozen cooked shrimp were removed from the market.

On August 13, 2021, Avanti Frozen Foods of India expanded its recall of frozen cooked shrimp to include frozen cooked shrimp products imported into the U.S. from November 2020 to May 2021. Since Avanti Frozen Foods expanded its recall, downstream recalls have been initiated for sushi products containing recalled shrimp, sold in the state of California:

• Genji Pacific LLC.
• Mai Cuisine Inc.
• Mai Franchising Inc.

Recommendation

Recalled frozen shrimp should no longer be available for sale; however, these products have a long shelf life, and consumers, restaurants, and retailers should check their freezers and should throw away recalled shrimp. The expanded recall from August 17, 2021 includes the following brands:

• BIG RIVER
• 365
• AHOLD
• CENSEA
• COS
• CWNO BRAND
• FIRST STREET
• NATURE’S PROMISE
• HARBOR BANKS
• HOS
• MEIJER
• SANDBAR
• SEA COVE
• WATERFRONT BISTRO
• WELLSLEYFARMS
• WFNOBRANDS
• FOODLION
• HANNAFORD

Please check the expanded recall announcement for full product descriptions.

Previously recalled shrimp should no longer be available for sale; however, these products have a long shelf life, and consumers, restaurants, and retailers should check their freezers and should throw away any previously recalled shrimp. The initial recall includes the following brands:

• CENSEA
• CHICKEN OF THE SEA
• HONEST CATCH
• CWNO
• HANNAFORD
• WATERFRONT BISTRO
• OPEN ACRES
• 365
• MEIJER

Please check the initial recall announcement for full product descriptions.

Anyone who received recalled shrimp should use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that may have come in contact with the recalled product, to reduce the risk of cross contamination.