Anybody know whether Costco frozen shrimp contain sulfites? My impression is that it has to appear on the label (which it doesn’t), but BIL who is allergic thinks if the shrimp are treated at the point of catch, it doesn’t necessarily appear on the label.
I have this intolerance. Too avoid some type of black mold, it is allowed for shrimp to be treated with a sulfite or other preservative when caught. I am usually okay if I first soak them in 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide mixed with a gallon of water. FYI - for other fish I can just rinse the heck out of them. My other 4 biggies for sulfites are bottled lemon/lime juice, dried fruit, coconut drinks and dough conditioners.
Shrimp
The post-harvest procedures for shrimp include adding sodium bisulfite to maintain product quality. Food safety is not a significant concern among shrimp handlers because shrimp do not normally contain toxins, are not usually eaten raw and pathogenic microorganisms are killed by cooking. Sodium bisulfite blocks an enzyme in shrimp that causes melanosis, also called black spot – a darkening of pigments in the membranes and meat under the shell that makes the product appear unappetizing. Shrimp farmers dip baskets of shrimp after they are caught into a solution of sodium bisulfite to maintain a healthy appearance.
To be safe, I would just tell BIL that there “may” be sulfites.
What I did was I bought some shrimp at Costco, then checked and found that Whole Foods specifically advertises that their shrimp is sulfite-free, so that’s what I’m going to serve. I was just curious for future reference, since around here we call Whole Foods “Whole Paycheck.” I am going to email Costco and ask them. I’m guessing their shrimp is probably not safe.
ciee83
rule to follow 100% of the time…
when in doubt assume that it is a problem! (avoid the product)
As a seafood allergy sufferer, I assume when in doubt, avoid or take precautions as if I will be triggered–pretreat with Benedryl or similar and/or avoid.
@zobroward - Yeah, I generally do assume that when in doubt. That’s why I bought an extra $60 worth of shrimp this afternoon. Ouch!