Current Status and Immediate Steps
If you recently purchased shrimp at Safeway, here is what you need to know right now. A limited number of cooked and prepared shrimp products were recalled nationwide because potential contamination with foodborne pathogens was detected after routine testing. No consumer illnesses have been confirmed at the time of this update, and the recall is precautionary. If you have recalled items in your home, do not eat them. Return them to the store for a refund or dispose of them securely. Use this guide to identify affected products, check lot codes, and protect your household.
What Products Are Affected
Only specific shrimp products involved in this recall are covered. The items were sold as part of Safeway’s standard grocery assortment and may appear in prepared seafood cases or prepackaged frozen sections. The recall targets certain cooked, breaded, and ready-to-eat shrimp formats, sold under the Safeway Select and Lucerne labels. These products were distributed to stores in multiple states and were subject to removal from shelves while the investigation continues. If you are unsure whether a product is included, compare the lot code and packaging details against official recall information provided by the supplier and posted in store.
How to Find and Verify an Affected Lot Code
Check packaging first
Begin by locating the product packaging or label. The lot or production code is typically printed on the back or bottom of the package, sometimes near the use-by date. Record the code and the product name exactly as shown. If the product is already open or repackaged, look for any codes on the tray or original shrinkwrap. If you cannot find a code or the packaging is damaged, contact Safeway customer service for guidance.
Official verification steps
To confirm whether your product is part of the recall, compare your lot code to the official list released by the recall issuer and displayed in stores. You can also check the supplier’s recall notice, which includes detailed tables of affected codes, product names, sizes, and packaging dates. Many retailers provide recall lookup tools by lot number on their websites or mobile apps. When in doubt, bring the product to a Safeway service desk for immediate verification. Do not taste or cook the product if you suspect it may be recalled.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Cooked and prepared shrimp items | Recall notice |
| Labels Involved | Safeway Select, Lucerne | Retailer communication |
| Key Risk | Potential pathogen contamination | Supplier testing report |
| Consumer Action | Do not consume; return or discard | Regulatory guidance |
| Status | Precautionary, ongoing review | Official recall update |
Potential Health Risks and Symptoms
Consuming recalled shrimp could expose you to foodborne pathogens, which may cause illnesses ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. In some cases, particularly among young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems, infection can lead to more serious complications. If you or someone in your household experiences these symptoms after eating recalled shrimp, seek medical attention and mention the possible exposure. Keep any remaining product and its packaging for testing and reporting purposes.
Recall Timeline and Next Steps
The recall was issued after routine sampling and laboratory testing detected indicators of potential contamination. As soon as the results were available, the supplier coordinated with Safeway and regulators to remove affected products from distribution centers and stores. In parallel, the supplier is reviewing its processing and testing procedures to prevent future issues. Going forward, regulators and the supplier will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. Consumers are encouraged to stay alert for additional notices and to check lot codes even if initial checks return negative results.
How to Return or Safely Dispose of Recalled Shrimp
Returning to Safeway
To return a recalled product, bring it and its packaging to any Safeway store along with your receipt. A store associate will process a refund, even without a printed receipt, by verifying the purchase using loyalty card information or a documented description. If you do not have the original packaging, describe the item and provide the lot code if available. Refunds are typically issued at the time of the return. If you prefer, you can also dispose of the product by sealing it in a bag, placing it in a covered trash container, and cleaning any surfaces that may have had contact with the packaging.
Preventing future exposure
Going forward, check product labels for recall notices and lot codes when buying refrigerated or frozen seafood. Sign up for recall alerts from suppliers and major retailers, especially if you frequently purchase prepared seafood. Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate in your shopping cart and storage to avoid cross-contamination. Wash hands, cutting boards, and utensils thoroughly after handling seafood, even if you plan to cook it again. These habits reduce risk even when recalls are not in progress.
Why This Recall Matters for Consumer Trust
Recall events like this one highlight how testing, transparency, and rapid response work together to protect public health. When a precautionary recall is issued, it means regulators and suppliers are prioritizing safety over convenience. For shoppers, staying informed and responding promptly reduces individual risk and supports a safer food system. Retailers reinforce trust by communicating clearly, making recall information easy to find, and supporting returns without hassle. Understanding how recalls function and how to act on them helps you make confident, evidence-based decisions about the food in your home.