Full Breakdown
FDA Expands Recall of Radioactive Shrimp Due to Cesium-137 Contamination
8/30/2025, 12:02:04 AM
Overview of the Recall
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its recall of shrimp products due to potential contamination with the radioactive isotope Cesium-137 (Cs-137). This recall affects nearly 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp and over 26,000 packages of cocktail shrimp sold at Walmart, both processed by the Indonesian supplier PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, operating as BMS Foods. The shrimp was sold in various states between late July and mid-August 2025.
Details of the Contaminated Products
The recalled Kroger shrimp was sold in 17 states, including Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio, between July 24 and August 11, 2025. The affected products are packaged in clear plastic bags with white labels and green stripes. Specific UPC codes include 011110626196 with lot codes 10662 5139 and 10662 5140, with best before dates of November 19 and 20, 2027, respectively. The Walmart cocktail shrimp was sold in 27 states from July 31 to August 16, 2025, packaged in clear plastic trays with red and white labels.
Health Risks Associated with Cs-137
Cesium-137 is a man-made radioactive isotope that can pose health risks, particularly with long-term exposure. The FDA has indicated that while no products tested positive for Cs-137 in the U.S. marketplace, the potential for contamination exists due to the shrimp being processed under unsanitary conditions. Long-term exposure to Cs-137 can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. The FDA has stated that the detected levels of Cs-137 were significantly below the threshold that would necessitate health protections.
Official Statements and Responses
The FDA has placed PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati under a new import alert to prevent further shipments until safety concerns are resolved. The agency has advised consumers who purchased the recalled shrimp not to consume it and to dispose of it or return it for a full refund. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products.
Criticism and Opposition
Experts in nuclear radiation have expressed concern over the contamination source and the handling of the shrimp. Steve Biegalski, chair of the Nuclear and Radiological Engineering and Medical Physics program at the Georgia Institute of Technology, noted that the levels of Cs-137 found in the shrimp were unusually high compared to routine levels detected in Pacific Ocean shrimp. He emphasized the importance of identifying the contamination source and communicating this information to the public.
What's Next
The FDA continues to investigate the contamination and has not yet determined how the shrimp or shipping containers became contaminated. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about the recall and to check their purchases carefully.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The product was sold in refrigerated condition and has a 12-day shelf life and with various Best if Use By dates,” — FDA Release
- “Traces of Cs-137 are widespread and can be present in the environment at background levels, and at higher levels in water or foods grown, raised, or produced in areas with environmental contamination,” — FDA
- “Experts in nuclear radiation agreed that the health risk is low, but said it's important to determine the source of the contamination and share that information with the public.” — Steve Biegalski, Georgia Institute of Technology
This ongoing situation highlights the need for vigilance in food safety and the importance of regulatory oversight in preventing contaminated products from reaching consumers.
