The AP investigation revealed that slave labor, which includes children, was being used in Thailand to process the popular seafood. The shrimp went on to be sold in major American grocers such as Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, Dollar General and Petco, as well as restaurants Red Lobster and Olive Garden.

As part of their report, the AP said that shrimp is a major player in Thailand's $7 billion seafood export business.

Both Red Lobster and Whole Foods have denied buying shrimp peeled using slave labor. Walmart did not deny the claims and instead issued a statement saying, “We were horrified by the conditions and treatment of workers the reporters uncovered.”

The European Union on Thursday warned Thailand to promptly address the slavery concerns, threatening an EU seafood import ban, which would be a significant hit to the export-dependent nation.

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Travelers walk around the baggage claim in the South Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Atlanta is among the airports where the FAA will reduce flights due to the shutdown, and airports are facing a shortage of air traffic controllers. 
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez