What triggered the Walmart raw shrimp recall
The Walmart raw shrimp recall began after the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirmed that certain cooked and raw shrimp products produced at a third-party facility tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. In a USDA FSIS public health alert, the agency noted potential contamination that could pose serious health risks, particularly for children, older adults, and immunocompromised people. Walmart responded by pulling affected items from stores and halting online sales, asking shoppers to stop eating the products even if they appeared and smelled normal.
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Recall number / ID | Provided in the FSIS public health alert and on Walmart recall notices | Government/Retailer |
| Affiliated establishment or brand | Third-party processor named in the FSIS alert; Walmart listed UPCs on its recall page | Retailer/Government |
| Product types affected | Specific frozen raw and cooked shrimp items, including bags of various sizes | Retailer/Government |
| Date of public notice | Published by FSIS and Walmart as a public health alert in [Month Year] | Government/Retailer |
| Reported illnesses | No confirmed illnesses reported in Walmart or FSIS update at time of this writing | Retailer/Government |
Which products are included in the recall
Walmart’s recall notice lists specific frozen shrimp products sold in multiple states, with UPC codes and best-by dates printed on packaging. Affected items were sold both in physical stores and through Walmart.com. The USDA-FSIS public health alert names the processing establishment and provides a detailed list of affected product codes. Shoppers are advised not to rely on appearance or smell, because Listeria can be present without obvious signs. If you are unsure whether a package is included, check the recall notice on Walmart’s website or contact customer service with the UPC printed on the label.
How to check if a package is affected
- Find the recall notice on Walmart.com and locate the list of included UPCs and best-by dates.
- Compare the UPC and the best-by date on your package against the official list.
- Check the establishment number printed on the package; verify it against the FSIS establishment notice.
- When in doubt, do not taste the product; contact Walmart or your local store for confirmation.
Potential health risks and symptoms to watch for
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illness, particularly in young children, adults over 65, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthy adults may experience fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea, while severe cases can involve confusion, loss of balance, or meningitis. Symptoms can appear days to weeks after consuming contaminated food. If you believe you have eaten recalled shrimp and experience symptoms, seek medical attention promptly and mention the possible Listeria exposure.
What to do if you purchased the recalled shrimp
Do not consume the product, even if it looks or smells normal. Return the item to the place of purchase for a refund, or dispose of it securely to prevent anyone in your household from eating it. Clean any drawers or shelves that may have held the package using hot, soapy water and a sanitizer. Monitor yourself and family members for symptoms in the following weeks and keep the original packaging for reference if you need to report an issue to health authorities.
Long-term food-safety habits to reduce future risk
To protect against future recalls and foodborne illness, cook shrimp to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) as measured by a food thermometer, avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods, and refrigerate or freeze perishable items promptly. Pay attention to USDA and retailer recalls, especially for ready-to-eat or minimally processed proteins, and register for store recall alerts if available. Staying informed and handling, storing, and cooking foods to safe standards significantly lowers the chance of serious illness.
How to stay updated on recalls and safety notices
Walmart posts recall notices on its website and may send notifications via app, email, or text to affected customers. For government-led recalls, the USDA-FSIS and FDA maintain searchable recall databases and public health alerts. Subscribing to these updates, checking packaging against recall lists promptly, and discarding suspect products when in doubt are reliable ways to keep your household safe.