US FDA extends radioactive shrimp recall: More brands added to warning list

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded a recall of radioactive frozen shrimp to include more brands. Last month, the agency was investigating reports of Cesium-137 contamination in shipping containers and frozen shrimp products processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati- doing business as BMS Foods of Indonesia.

It was detected in shipping containers across four American ports: Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Savannah, Ga.

The FDA collected numerous samples for analysis and confirmed the presence of Cesium-137 in some samples of breaded shrimp. While the testing didn't confirm the presence of contamination in any products on store shelves, the contamination could have occurred where it was prepared, packed or held, causing a recall on all products from the Indonesian brand.

Initial recall


The first recall included frozen raw shrimp under the Great Value brand sold at Walmart, distributed by Beaver Street Fisheries, LLC. The recall involved a limited quantity of Great Value Frozen Raw Shrimp EZ-Peel & Deveined Tail-On 21-25 Per lb.

Expanded recall


Now the expanded recall includes more brands selling shrimp. Southwind Foods, LLC is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of frozen shrimp. The bagged, frozen shrimp was distributed from July 17 to August 8 to retailers, distributors and wholesalers in the following states:

Alabama
Arizona
California
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Pennsylvania
Utah
Virginia
Washington

AquaStar (USA) Corp is recalling approximately 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp. It was sold at Baker's, Gerbes, Jay C, Kroger, Mariano's, Metro Market, Pay Less Supermarkets and Pick 'n Save across multiple states.

Additionally, the company is recalling cocktail shrimp 6 oz. sold at Walmart stores in numerous states from July 31 to August 16. They were sold in refrigerated conditions and have a 12-day shelf life with various Best if Use By dates.

What will happen if you eat the shrimp?


Cesium-137 is a man-made radioisotope of cesium. Traces of it can be present at the environmental level and at higher levels in water or food grown, raised or produced in areas with environmental contamination.

When you consume the compound repeatedly at a low dose, there is an elevated risk of cancer, resulting from damage to DNA within living cells of the body.

In case you have the contaminated shrimp, make sure to throw it away and if you feel like you have been exposed to cesium, then consult a healthcare provider.