Shrimp recall expanded following reopened Salmonella probe

Avanti Frozen Foods Pvt. Ltd recently expanded a prior recall of frozen shrimp products after authorities identified additional cases in a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Weltevreden infections.

The expanded recall announced Aug. 13 covers certain consignments of various sizes of frozen cooked, peeled, deveined shrimp, some of which was packaged with cocktail sauce.

On June 25, India-based Avanti Frozen Foods recalled certain shrimp products imported into the U.S. from December 2020 to February 2021—due to the potential for Salmonella contamination—that were distributed nationwide.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the Salmonella outbreak has been associated with nine illnesses, including three hospitalizations, in four states: Arizona (2), Michigan (2), Nevada (4) and Rhode Island (1).

CDC announced July 21 that the outbreak was over, but FDA said authorities subsequently identified additional cases in the outbreak, including one ill person who consumed shrimp that was not a part of the initial recall. FDA said the investigation was reopened, and it asked Avanti Frozen Foods to expand its recall.

Avanti Frozen Foods said it was expanding the recall “out of an abundance of precaution,” covering a large quantity of product that has not been linked with any illness. The move was commenced following talks with FDA and CDC, reflecting “Avanti’s commitment to public health and safety,” according to the firm’s recall notice.

The expanded recall covers various brands, including Ahold, Big River, Censea, 365, First Street, Meijer and Seacove, among others.

FDA identified the potential for Salmonella contamination after testing shrimp imported by Avanti Frozen Foods. In January, FDA collected a sample of the firm’s shrimp as part of a compliance program, revealing the presence of Salmonella Weltevreden, according to FDA in its investigation of the outbreak.

At the time, FDA was unaware of known illnesses associated with the shrimp. But in April, “three clinical isolates collected from ill people were reported to be closely related to the isolates collected from the import sample,” FDA stated in its investigation. Several people who fell ill reported eating shrimp, the agency noted.

Most individuals infected with Salmonella develop abdominal cramps, diarrhea and fever, although some cases result in death, according to FDA.

CDC estimates Salmonella bacteria cause about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths in the U.S. annually, with food being the source for most of the illnesses. Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection and endure four to seven days, according to CDC.