FDA Recalls Radioactive Frozen Shrimp Sold in the US

Additional Shrimp Recall Due to Possible Radioactive Contamination

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new recall for additional shrimp products due to potential contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. This latest action comes after the initial announcement of a recall involving the Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp.

On Thursday, August 21, Southwind Foods, LLC of Carson, California, voluntarily recalled a limited quantity of frozen shrimp due to concerns over possible Cesium-137 contamination. The FDA emphasized that this recall is part of an ongoing investigation into reports of radioactive material in shipping containers and shrimp products processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, a company based in Indonesia.

States Affected by the Recall

The recalled shrimp was distributed across several states, including:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• California
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Pennsylvania
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington

No illnesses have been reported so far in connection with the contaminated products.

Products Being Recalled

The following items are part of the recall:

• Frozen Raw Shrimp 31/40 Sand Bar 2 lb Bag
• Item Number: 08890
• UPC: 011110641182

• Lot Number: 087305

• Frozen Cooked Shrimp 31/40 Best Yet 1 lb Bag

• Item Number: 06350
• UPC: 042187002736

• Lot Numbers: 095944, 111154

• Frozen Cooked Shrimp 31/50 Best Yet 1 lb Bag

• Item Number: 06062
• UPC: 042187002743

• Lot Number: 095946

• Frozen Large Cooked Shrimp 31/40 Arctic Shores 1 lb Bag

• Item Number: 08224
• UPC: 041130812392

• Lot Number: 109562

• Frozen Small Cooked Shrimp 61/70 Arctic Shores 1 lb Bag

• Item Number: 08127
• UPC: 041130810497

• Lot Number: 109540

• Frozen Small Cooked Shrimp 91/120 White Arctic Shores 12 oz Bag

• Item Number: 08128
• UPC: 041130810411

• Lot Number: 109541

• Frozen Cooked Salad Shrimp 150-200 Arctic Shores 6 oz Bag

• Item Number: 08129
• UPC: 041130811685

• Lot Number: 109542

• Frozen Raw Shrimp 16/20 Great American 2 lb Bag

• Item Number: 06021
• UPC: 829944010612

• Lot Number: 125143

• Frozen Raw Shrimp 16/20 First Street 2 lb Bag

• Item Number: 06171
• UPC: 041512179471

• Lot Number: 130632

• Frozen Raw Shrimp 71/90 Great American 2 lb Bag

• Item Number: 06102
• UPC: 829944010698

• Lot Number: 128267

• Frozen Cooked Shrimp Meat Great American 1 lb Bag

• Item Number: 08523
• UPC: 829944092540

• Lot Number: 134010

• Frozen Cooked Shrimp 41/60 Great American 2 lb Bag

• Item Number: 06812
• UPC: 829944012173
• Lot Number: 128275

What Consumers Should Do

If you have any of these recalled products at home, the FDA advises against consuming or serving them. Instead, they should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For further assistance, consumers can contact Southwind Foods at 1-323-262-8222 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Individuals who suspect they may have been exposed to elevated levels of cesium should consult their healthcare provider. To report a complaint or adverse reaction, consumers can use the FDA’s Industry and Consumer Assistance portal.

Import Alert on PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati

PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati has also been placed under an import alert due to chemical contamination. This means that no products from the company can enter the U.S. until the issue is resolved. The FDA is working with Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to determine the cause of the contamination.

Understanding Cesium-137

Cesium-137 is a man-made radioisotope produced during nuclear fission. It is used in medical devices and industrial measurement tools. However, it can also be a byproduct of nuclear reactor operations and weapons testing. While trace amounts of Cs-137 can be found in the environment, long-term exposure to higher levels poses serious health risks, including burns, radiation sickness, cancer, and even death. Regulatory agencies monitor and control its presence to minimize these risks.