The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded a nationwide recall of frozen shrimp due to concerns over possible contamination with the radioactive isotope cesium-137 (Cs-137). The latest action involves additional brands and tens of thousands of packages, all linked to the same Indonesian supplier currently under investigation.
According to ABC News, the shrimp products were distributed across multiple U.S. states through major retailers. The FDA has not confirmed any cases of illness or detection of radioactive material in the U.S. market so far. The agency describes the recall as precautionary and continues to monitor imported seafood from the affected source.
04 FDA Recalls Now Linked to a Single Indonesian Supplier
The latest recall covers 17,922 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp and 26,460 packages of Cocktail Shrimp distributed by Seattle-based Aquastar Corp.. Both products were processed by the Indonesian supplier PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), which has now been added to FDA Import Alert 99-42.
“PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati was added to a new import alert for chemical contamination to stop products from this firm from coming into the U.S. until the firm has resolved the conditions that gave rise to the appearance of the violation,” the FDA said in a press release.
The same supplier is linked to three earlier recalls involving:
- Walmart’s Great Value shrimp
- Cocktail shrimp distributed by Aquastar Corp.
- Shrimp products from California-based Southwind Foods
This brings the total number of FDA-initiated recalls related to BMS Foods to four in the last month.
No Cesium Detected in U.S. Market, But FDA Warns of Unsafe Conditions
Although no product has tested positive for Cs-137 within the U.S. to date and no illnesses have been reported, the FDA flagged the shrimp for being “prepared, packed or held in insanitary conditions” which could result in contamination.
“The product was sold in refrigerated condition and has a 12-day shelf life and with various Best if Use By dates,” the FDA release noted. “The affected Cocktail Shrimp 6oz is packaged in a clear plastic tray and has a red and white label.”
The agency advises consumers not to eat the shrimp and to dispose of any recalled product immediately.
Health Risks Associated with Cesium-137 Exposure
Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope that forms as a byproduct of nuclear fission. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that Cs-137 is a soft, silvery-white metal that becomes liquid near room temperature and easily forms crystalline powder when bonded with chlorides.
Long-term ingestion of small amounts of Cs-137 via food or water can damage DNA in human cells and raise the risk of cancer, according to the FDA. High external doses may cause burns, acute radiation sickness, or death.
Recalled Kroger Shrimp: Packaging, Stores, and Codes
The 17,922 recalled Kroger shrimp packages weigh 2 pounds and are sold in a clear plastic bag with a white label and green stripes. The products were sold between July 24 and August 11 across 17 U.S. states, through multiple grocery chains operating under the Kroger brand umbrella:
- Kroger
- Baker’s
- Gerbes
- Jay C
- Mariano’s
- Metro Market
- Pay Less Supermarkets
- Pick ’n Save
Product Identification
- UPC: 011110626196
- Lot codes:
- 10662 5139, Best Before 11/19/2027
- 10662 5140, Best Before 11/20/2027
Recalled Walmart Cocktail Shrimp: States, Shelf Life, and Details
The 26,460 recalled Cocktail Shrimp packages were distributed by Aquastar Corp. and sold exclusively at Walmart stores between July 31 and August 16 in 27 U.S. states. Each package weighs 6 oz and was sold in a refrigerated condition with a 12-day shelf life.
Product Identification
- UPC: 19434612191
- Lot codes (printed at the bottom of the plastic tray):
- 10662 5106
- 10662 5107
- 10662 5124
- 10662 5125
The product comes in a clear plastic tray and features a red and white label.
