Full Breakdown
FDA Issues Widespread Recall of Frozen Shrimp Due to Radioactive Contamination
8/23/2025, 10:43:13 PM
Overview of the Recall
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a significant recall of frozen shrimp products due to potential contamination with Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope. The recall, initiated by California-based Southwind Foods, affects various brands of frozen shrimp distributed between July 17 and August 8, 2025, across nine states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. This action follows a similar recall of Great Value brand frozen shrimp sold at Walmart stores in 13 states.
Details of the Contamination
The contamination was first detected in shipping containers at U.S. ports, including Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, where Cs-137 was found in a sample of frozen breaded shrimp imported from Indonesian supplier PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, also known as BMS Foods. The FDA has stated that while trace amounts of Cs-137 are common in the environment, prolonged exposure to higher levels can increase the risk of cancer due to DNA damage.
Affected Brands and Products
The recalled shrimp products include those sold under the following brand names:
- Sand Bar
- Arctic Shores
- Great American Seafood Imports Co.
- First Street
Specific products include various sizes of frozen raw and cooked shrimp, with lot numbers and UPC codes available on the FDA's website. Notably, the Great Value brand shrimp recalled from Walmart had lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, all with a "Best by" date of March 15, 2027.
Health Risks and Recommendations
The FDA has advised consumers not to eat any of the recalled shrimp products. Instead, they should dispose of the items or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the contaminated shrimp, but health officials emphasize the importance of avoiding potential exposure to Cs-137, which can lead to serious health issues over time.
Barbara Kowalcyk, director of the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University, noted that the risk to the public is considered low, and the recalls are precautionary measures. However, she highlighted that repeated low-dose exposure could pose a health concern, particularly for individuals consuming contaminated products regularly.
Ongoing Investigations
The FDA is actively investigating the source of the contamination and has placed BMS Foods under an import alert, preventing any of its products from entering the U.S. until the company resolves the issues that led to the contamination. The agency is collaborating with Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to trace all implicated products and ensure food safety.
Conclusion
Consumers are urged to check their freezers for any of the recalled shrimp products and to follow the FDA's guidelines regarding disposal or returns. The situation underscores the critical importance of food safety and the need for vigilance in monitoring imported food products for potential contamination. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
