Safeway and other retailers in Hawaii received shrimp poke that is now under recall for Listeria monocytogenes contamination, which causes infections that can take up to 70 days to show up.

Norpac Fisheries Export sent the implicated poke to stores, including many Safeway stores, on four of the Hawaiian Islands, The Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, according to the company’s recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration. All fresh shrimp poke distributed by Norpac in the Hawaiian Islands between May 11 and June 25 is included in the recall.

Consumers are urged to check their homes for unused portions of the recalled poke and throw out any leftovers.

“(The) shrimp poke is distributed as pre-mixed in plastic pouches and go (goes) to service counter(s) and then dishes out in various weight increments into a “deli cup,” according to the recall notice. No illnesses have been reported to date.

“We became aware of this problem during our routine food safety monitoring procedures, as we perform laboratory analysis of our work areas, equipment, surfaces, drains, raw materials and completed product. As a result of our routine random product and materials testing, we tested the shrimp used to make the shrimp poke, by having a sample sent to an independent lab for analysis. 

“The results were received June 25.” 

Company officials said in the recall notice that they are operating under the assumption that all of the shrimp from its supplier is contaminated. They ceased the production and distribution of the product using this shrimp.

Consumers who have purchased Fresh Shrimp Poke are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 808-842-3474.

about Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.