FDA Expands Shrimp Recall Due to Radioactive Contamination Concerns

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has broadened its recall of certain shrimp brands imported from Indonesia over fears of contamination with a radioactive isotope known as cesium 137 (CS-137).

While the FDA notes that the recalled shrimp may not pose an immediate “acute risk,” prolonged exposure to CS-137 in contaminated food or water can heighten the risk of cancer due to potential DNA damage in living cells.

All affected shrimp originate from products processed by a company in Indonesia known as Bahari Makmur Sejati, which is associated with BMS Foods. More details can be found in the FDA’s advisory.

According to the FDA:

Our findings indicate that shrimp from Bahari Makmur Sejati violate federal food, drug, and cosmetic laws, as they appear to be prepared and stored under unsanitary conditions, rendering them contaminated with CS-137—a notable safety concern.

The latest recall includes two new products from Aquastar Corp, based in Seattle. One product carries the Aquastar brand, while the other is sold under the Kroger brand.

As part of this expanded recall, approximately 26,460 packages of cocktail shrimp and around 18,000 packages of “peeled tail-off shrimp” from Cooking Kurogar Mercado have been taken off the shelves.

The affected cocktail shrimp were available at Walmart in 27 states from July 31 to August 16. The Kroger Mercado-cooked medium peel-off shrimp were sold in stores across 17 states, though not exclusively at Kroger. Other retailers affected include Baker’s, Gerbes, Jay C, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Supermarkets, and Pick ‘n Save, as per FDA information.

For detailed lot numbers and more information, please refer to the FDA advisory here.

The agency has cautioned consumers: “If you’ve bought any raw or cooked frozen shrimp, please don’t eat or serve this product.”

Details about the source of CS-137 from Indonesia haven’t been disclosed. This isotope is typically generated as a byproduct of nuclear fission in reactors and nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, the FDA has been alerted by the US Customs and Border Patrol about contamination detected in shipping containers at ports in Houston, Miami, and Savannah, as well as Los Angeles.

An investigation is currently in progress.