SSHAM ordered a massive recall of over 500,000 cans of SSHAM, SSHAM Less, and SSHAM Extra Spicy today after a major shrimp supplier was forced to shut down. An FDA investigation found a number of serious violations at the Pilua Shrimp Farm, including the use of prohibited feed and illegal antibiotics. This is the first major recall of SSHAM and the company says it is, “acting quickly to ensure the quality and safety of their products.”
Investigators say they were acting on a tip when they began their surprise inspection of the local fish farm. They are calling what they found, “The single most dangerous aquaculture operation the agency has ever seen.” Normally, shrimp are considered one of the safest shellfish options available to consumers when it comes to heavy metals and other contaminants. However, officials have called the shrimp at Pilua potentially deadly.
In addition to a number of violations regarding waste disposal and water filtration systems, the farm had been giving the shrimp dangerous antibiotics, namely nitrofuranzone and chloramphenical. Both have been restricted in the U.S. because of serious side effects including cancers and aplastic anemia. However, It was what workers had been feeding the shrimp that most concerned investigators.
“They had purchased tons of contaminated Iron Curtain era fishmeal really cheap and had decided to use it. We tried to test it with our field equipment but the toxin levels were so high that our machines errored out. We decided to test some of the shrimp and found mercury levels that went through the roof and substantial levels of lead, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), and other potentially dangerous chemicals. They were basically feeding the shrimp poison mixed with binding agents,” says an FDA investigator.
While there is no evidence that any of the tainted shrimp made it into a can of SSHAM, the company and the FDA agreed to the voluntary recall as a safety precaution. But food safety advocate Betsy Kaukau says that SSHAM is dangerous enough on its own, without toxic shrimp, that consumers should be cautious.
“A single serving of SSHAM has about 85% the recommended daily amount of sodium, 80% of your daily saturated fat, and whopping 95% of the recommended cholesterol. It has virtually no nutrients or vitamins and a list of chemical preservatives to prevent bacteria growth and extend shelf life as long as your arm. Research suggests that these chemicals can increase your risk of getting cancer and developing heart disease. It can even hurt the ability to transport oxygen throughout the body, promote type 1 diabetes in children, damage the blood vessels, and lead to hair loss or impotence. It may be the most dangerous food ever put in a can, regardless of whether or not a batch was made with tainted shrimp.”
“You don’t get to be Hawaii’s favorite processed canned meat by making a bad product,” counters SSHAM founder and CEO Art Pua’a. He says that the company follows strict guidelines to ensure consumer safety and has been working with the FDA to guarantee that none of the Pilua shrimp make it out to the public. Pua’a says that the vast majority of their suppliers follow the rules and run their businesses in an ethical and safe manner. “We will be reviewing how we work with our partners to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again. I am extremely disappointed and concerned about the way things were run at the Pilua farm, especially since they were a local operation. That’s not how you treat a business partner or a neighbor,” he added.
As far as the future of SSHAM or the issues raised by Kaukau, Pua’a says he’s not concerned.
“We took quick and decisive action in this case and I think consumers trust us. Our meat product is delicious, quick to make and affordable. Moms, chefs, and kids alike love us. While we wouldn’t stop you from eating a can of SSHAM for every meal, we’re not advocating it either. Everything in excess can be problematic. While I’m a huge fan of the locally grown coffee, I’m sure my doctor would have something to say if I drank multiple pots every day. The truth of the matter is that SSHAM allows people with a busy schedule to enjoy surf and turf in a can. Its spicy-shrimped-hammy goodness is beloved by millions and enjoyed grilled, fried, baked, and diced, safely every night. We plan on doing everything we can to keep it that way.”
