Direct Source Seafood LLC Recalls Frozen Raw Shrimp Due to Cesium-137 Contamination Risk

On December 19, 2025, Direct Source Seafood LLC, based in Bellevue, Washington, announced a recall of approximately 83,800 bags of frozen raw shrimp due to potential contamination with cesium-137 (Cs-137). The affected products, sold under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brands, were imported from Indonesia and may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions.

FDA - Food and Drug AdministrationFrozen Shrimp Pulled From Stores Over Safety ConcernsMarket 32 and Waterfront Bistro Shrimp Recalled For Cesium-137

Cesium-137 is a man-made radioisotope that can be found in the environment, particularly in areas with contamination. The primary health concern associated with Cs-137 is the risk of cancer from long-term, low-dose exposure, which can result from consuming contaminated food over time. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has indicated that while no immediate health risks are associated with short-term exposure, the potential for DNA damage from repeated consumption is significant.

FDA - Food and Drug Administration

The recall includes two specific product lines:

FDA - Food and Drug Administration

• Market 32 Frozen Raw Shrimp: Sold in 1-pound bags with UPC code 0 41735 01358 3, and best-by dates ranging from April 22, 2027, to April 27, 2027. These were available at Price Chopper stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont after July 11, 2025.

Frozen Shrimp Pulled From Stores Over Safety Concerns

• Waterfront Bistro Frozen Raw Shrimp: Sold in 2-pound bags with UPC code 021130 13224-9, and best-by dates of April 25, 2027, or April 26, 2027. These products were sold at Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Safeway, and Lucky Supermarkets across Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming on or after June 30, 2025.

Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro Shrimp Recalled For Cesium-137

The FDA is actively investigating reports of Cs-137 contamination related to shipping containers and shrimp products manufactured in Indonesia. They have confirmed that no products testing positive for Cs-137 have entered the U.S. marketplace. Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled shrimp and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Direct Source Seafood has provided a contact number for consumer inquiries: 425-455-2291.

Frozen Shrimp Pulled From Stores Over Safety Concerns

While no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled shrimp, the potential health risks associated with cesium-137 contamination have raised concerns among consumer advocacy groups. Critics emphasize the need for stricter safety regulations and monitoring of imported food products to prevent similar incidents in the future.

FDA - Food and Drug Administration

• “Officials emphasized that no product that has tested positive for Cs-137 has entered the US marketplace.” — FDA Statement

Frozen Shrimp Pulled From Stores Over Safety Concerns

• “Consumers who have purchased affected shrimp should not consume the product and should dispose of or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.” — Direct Source Seafood LLC

FDA - Food and Drug Administration

This recall highlights the importance of food safety and the ongoing vigilance required to protect public health from potential contaminants in imported food products.

Frozen Shrimp Pulled From Stores Over Safety Concerns