• • In the News
• • Where does Contessa shrimp come from?
• • Product Locator
• • Seafood
  • • Shrimp Counts
  • • Storage
  • • Thawing
  • • Cooking
  • • Cocktail Sauce
  • • Nutritional/Health Benefits
• • Convenience Meals
  • • Serving Sizes
  • • Cooking
  • • Sauces
  • • Nutritional Content
  • • Healthier Alternatives
  • • Lowest-Calorie/Lowest-Fat Varieties
• • Allergies
• • MSG
• • Food Service

Q. Would Contessa ever use suppliers who engage in unacceptable labor practices?

A.  Never.  Contessa adheres to a stringent code of corporate responsibility.  We own our production facilities and deeply care for the welfare of our employees, neighborhood and environment.  Contessa makes sure that each and every company employee works for a fair wage, during decent hours and in healthy conditions.  Contessa also collaborates with our suppliers to limit overtime, ensure freedom of association and extend respectable human living conditions that are otherwise taken for granted in the United States. The bottom line for Contessa is that good corporate social responsibility is part of our everyday company philosophy.  It absolutely has to be.

Q. Do Contessa products contain beef from the facility involved in the February 2008 recall?

A: No. Contessa's beef suppliers have never purchased or processed beef from Hallmark/Westland, the facility involved in the current recall.

Q. I heard the FDA has announced an Import Alert concerning farm-raised shrimp from China. Where does Contessa shrimp come from?

A: CONTESSA SHRIMP IS NOT IMPORTED FROM CHINA.

JUNE, 2007 — The FDA announced an Import Alert concerning farm-raised catfish, eel, basa, dace and shrimp imported from China after discovering certain contaminated shipments. Contessa shrimp is raised exclusively in Thailand and Vietnam, and is processed under Contessa's strict quality-assurance guidelines, with third-party audits, to guarantee the premium quality and safety of our products. Our consumers deserve the highest quality shrimp possible. You can count on Contessa to deliver just that.

Commitment to Quality
Contessa was established to meet the need for a company dedicated solely to the production of premium quality seafood. Our steadfast commitment to produce superior food products has made Contessa a leader in the industry. Since 1984, Contessa has scrutinized every aspect of our shrimp production, processing and transport, and has consistently exceeded industry standards in all of these areas.

Quality Verification
Contessa shrimp is processed under Contessa's strict quality assurance guidelines. Third-party audits verify that these guidelines are met, and an extensive inspection process ensures product quality full circle - at the pond before purchase, upon arrival to the processing plant, during processing, before export and once again upon arrival at the U.S. Contessa has employed this extensive examination process since the company's inception to ensure ours is the highest quality shrimp on the market. No other brand in the shrimp industry takes more thorough measures to ensure quality.

Q: Where can I find the nearest location offering my favorite Contessa products?

A: You may use our Web site PRODUCT LOCATOR or call our Consumer Relations Representative toll-free at 1(888) 832-8000, 9a.m. to 5p.m. PST, Monday-Friday.

Shrimp Counts

Q: My 12-ounce bag listed about 31/40 shrimp per pound, but I found only 25 shrimp in it. Is this correct?

A: Shrimp sizes are usually measured by the amount of shrimp that can fit into a one-pound bag. A one-pound bag contains exactly 16 ounces of product. Contessa's 12-ounce bag is three-quarters of the 31/40 shrimp measured for a one-pound bag. This adds up to approximately 23 to 30 delicious shrimp per 12-ounce package. To make this easier for you, we at Contessa have improved upon the industry standard and have labeled the amount of shrimp that comes in each bag. This number is located just below the industry standard number that describes the size of the shrimp. Always remember that Contessa's goal is to deliver only the very best value and quality in all of our frozen food products.

Storage

Q: How long can I store shrimp in my freezer?

A: Assuming your freezer is always at a constant temperature of 0ºF; Contessa's frozen shrimp can be stored in your freezer for approximately three months after purchase. Please remember, however, that frequent opening and closing of your freezer will result in shorter storage periods.

Thawing

Q: What is the best way to thaw Contessa Frozen shrimp?

A: Thawing instructions are conveniently located on the back of our packaging. In order to maintain the very best quality of our frozen shrimp, we recommend the following thawing procedures.

Recommended Thawing Instructions

Place frozen Contessa Shrimp into a strainer or colander and cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place drip pan underneath strainer and refrigerate overnight (approximately 12 hours). Rinse for 10 seconds under cold running water and let drain for two minutes.

Quick Thawing Instructions

Completely submerge frozen Contessa Shrimp into a bowl of cold water for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a colander/strainer. Rinse for five seconds and let drain for two minutes.

Q: I really enjoy your high-quality frozen shrimp and have an unused portion that was previously thawed. Can I try to refreeze and use it again?

A: We don't recommend refreezing a previously thawed product. It will likely compromise the products great taste and quality. For best results, start with frozen shrimp that has consistently remained frozen.

Cooking

Q: I would like to cook a meal using your tasty Contessa cooked shrimp. Can I do this?

A: Of course, but only heat the cooked shrimp to avoid overcooking it. We recommend that you use our uncooked shrimp in recipes that require some amount of cooking. Be sure to allow sufficient cooking time and temperatures to ensure the shrimp is thoroughly and consistently cooked with the familiar orange coloring on the outside and the opaque, white coloring on the inside. Definitely delicious! Visit our Recipes & Tips section for some tasty meal ideas.

Cocktail Sauce

Q: Do I have to use cocktail sauce with your quality shrimp?

A: Sauce or no sauce, Contessa shrimp is delicious in a variety of ways. Try lemon wedges, barbeque sauce, or a chutney salsa, sprinkle with herbs and garlic, or even your favorite salad dressing. You can find a variety of recipes and other useful cooking suggestions on the Recipes & Tips section of our Web site.

Nutritional/Health Benefits

Fat free. Not all shrimp is fat-free. But Contessa is. Because it's farm-raised in a strictly-controlled environment and fed a high-protein diet, Contessa shrimp contains zero grams of fat.

Have brainier babies. Studies show a diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids - good fats found in fish-nourishes developing babies and helps mothers avoid postpartum depression. However, expectant mothers should stay away from large, mercury-laden species of fish.

No carbs. Contessa Shrimp is naturally free of carbohydrates, making it a perfect choice of protein for today's low-carb diets.

No preservatives. Contessa shrimp contains no preservatives, which are often used to mask unsavory appearance and to artificially extend shelf-life.

Low in calories. Three ounces of cooked Contessa shrimp has only 60 calories. Lean beef and skinless chicken can contain twice that amount.

Easier to digest. The protein derived from meats or poultry contains difficult-to-digest fat and saturated fat. Since Contessa shrimp is fat-free, it's much friendlier to the digestive system.

Fits all diets. Contessa shrimp represents very few points on the Weight Watchers program. It's Atkins friendly. And it's accepted by the American Heart Association as part of a heart-healthy diet.

Q: Isn't shrimp high in cholesterol?

A: Contessa shrimp has no saturated fat. It's saturated fat - not cholesterol - that has the biggest impact on raising your blood cholesterol level. And it's the high cholesterol in the blood, not dietary cholesterol that is linked to heart disease. LDL, or ''bad'' cholesterol, builds up and clogs arteries. HDL, the ''good'' cholesterol, cleanses the arteries. Studies confirm that consuming shrimp can actually raise your levels of HDL, and that can lower your cholesterol level and risks for heart disease.

Serving Sizes

Q: My family and I just love your products, but why do the portion sizes seem small? How are your serving sizes determined?

A: Contessa adheres to USDA guidelines for per-serving portions. Unfortunately, what is regulated by the USDA is not what most consumers expect as a serving. Also consider that, most meals are accompanied by a soup or salad, appetizer or bread, and with that combination. Contessa's portions are not only sufficient, but more balanced and healthier for your long-term health.

If you are not satisfied with this response, we would encourage you to voice your opinion to the USDA concerning portion sizes at: http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/contact.html.

Cooking

Q: Should I thaw your Convenience Meals before I cook them?

A: No. Contessa Convenience Meals are designed to be cooked when still frozen.

Sauces

Q: I really love the seasonings and sauces that come with many of Contessa's quality food products. Do you offer your sauces or seasonings separately?

A: We continue to receive an overwhelming response from consumers who are interested in purchasing our delicious sauces and seasonings separately. At this time, however, our sauces and seasonings only come with our quality food products. But keep checking our Web site for exciting new products and recipes. You never know, in the future you may find Contessa brand sauces or seasonings at a store near you.

Q: The sauce packet in my product is not completely frozen. Is that normal?

A: Yes, it's normal. Due to the ingredient content in some of the sauces, the sauce should not freeze completely. It should look semi-frozen and have a thick jelly feel. This applies to the following product: Kung Pao Shrimp, Shrimp Lo Mein, Cashew Chicken, General Tsao Shrimp, Chicken Stir-Fry, Shrimp Stir-Fry, Sesame Chicken, Chicken Chow Mein, Chicken Fried Rice, Beef Stir-Fry, Mongolian Beef, and Jambalaya.

Nutritional Content

Q: Your vegetables taste and look fresh! But can you tell me if the nutritional content of your vegetables are compromised because they are frozen?

A: According to Consumer Reports, "The Best of Health", May 2004, in most vegetables, the vitamins and phytochemicals - potentially disease-fighting substances - generally start breaking down after harvest. Because of this natural deterioration process, frozen vegetables are in fact more nutritious than "fresh" items that are no longer very fresh. Contessa's frozen vegetables maintain their nutritious content because they are flash-frozen immediately after harvest, so you can enjoy the most nutritious and delicious vegetables whenever you like.

Healthier Alternatives

Q: I have special dietary needs. Can you suggest some healthier alternatives to enjoying your products?

A: Absolutely. Consider using non-stick cooking spray in lieu of cooking oil. Or you can lower sugar and sodium levels by simply using half the sauce packet. We recommend you view the nutritional information with and without the sauce so you may determine what's best for your dietary needs. For this information, go to Our Products.

Lowest-Calorie / Lowest-Fat Varieties

the following meals are low-fat, low-calorie meals, WITH the sauce.

Q: Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to shrimp?

A: Some people may be allergic to the protein found in crustaceans such as crab, lobster or even shrimp. People who have shown no prior allergic reactions can, over time, develop an allergic reaction to certain foods. If you think you may be allergic to certain foods, it's best to contact your healthcare provider.

Q: How likely is cross-contamination of allergens with your other products?

A: There is no chance of cross contamination. Contessa operates an Allergen Control Program to prevent cross-contamination in our plants. In addition, we do not use shared equipment for products containing allergens.

Q: Do your products have MSG?

A: We do not add MSG as an ingredient. However, it is naturally occuring in virtually all foods.

Q: What kinds of foods may naturally contain MSG?

A: They may include meat, fish, poultry, breast milk, vegetables, traditional seasonings and sauces.

Q: I own a restaurant and would like to use your products. Can I order directly from Contessa Premium Foods?

A: At this time, we only accept sales orders directly from our food-service distributors. You can, however, always call our Sales Department toll-free at 1 (888) 832-8000, and they will put you in touch with your local distributor, who will immediately fill your order.