The Food and Drug Administration announced that Southwind Foods, LLC of Carson, California, has voluntarily recalled several frozen shrimp products due to possible contamination with Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive substance.

No illnesses have been reported, but the FDA is investigating contamination linked to shipping containers and shrimp processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) of Indonesia. The company has been placed on an import alert, blocking further shipments into the U.S.

States Where Recalled Shrimp Was Sold

The recalled shrimp was distributed to:
Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

Full List of Recalled Shrimp

Sand Bar

• Frozen Raw Shrimp 31/40, 2 lb Bag
  • Item Number: 08890
  • UPC: 011110641182
  • Lot Number: 087305

Best Yet

• Frozen Cooked Shrimp 31/40, 1 lb Bag
  • Item Number: 06350
  • UPC: 042187002736
  • Lot Numbers: 095944, 111154
• Frozen Cooked Shrimp 31/50, 1 lb Bag
  • Item Number: 06062
  • UPC: 042187002743
  • Lot Number: 095946

Arctic Shores

• Frozen Large Cooked Shrimp 31/40, 1 lb Bag
  • Item Number: 08224
  • UPC: 041130812392
  • Lot Number: 109562
• Frozen Small Cooked Shrimp 61/70, 1 lb Bag
  • Item Number: 08127
  • UPC: 041130810497
  • Lot Number: 109540
• Frozen Small Cooked Shrimp 91/120 White, 12 oz Bag
  • Item Number: 08128
  • UPC: 041130810411
  • Lot Number: 109541
• Frozen Cooked Salad Shrimp 150-200, 6 oz Bag
  • Item Number: 08129
  • UPC: 041130811685
  • Lot Number: 109542

Great American

• Frozen Raw Shrimp 16/20, 2 lb Bag
  • Item Number: 06021
  • UPC: 829944010612
  • Lot Number: 125143
• Frozen Raw Shrimp 71/90, 2 lb Bag
  • Item Number: 06102
  • UPC: 829944010698
  • Lot Number: 128267
• Frozen Cooked Shrimp Meat, 1 lb Bag
  • Item Number: 08523
  • UPC: 829944092540
  • Lot Number: 134010
• Frozen Cooked Shrimp 41/60, 2 lb Bag
  • Item Number: 06812
  • UPC: 829944012173
  • Lot Number: 128275

First Street

• Frozen Raw Shrimp 16/20, 2 lb Bag
  • Item Number: 06171
  • UPC: 041512179471
  • Lot Number: 130632

What to Do if You Purchased These Products

The FDA advises consumers not to eat the recalled shrimp. Packages should be discarded or returned to the store for a full refund.

Questions can be directed to Southwind Foods at 1-323-262-8222 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. PT).

Those concerned about exposure to Cesium-137 should contact their healthcare provider.

Why Cesium-137 Is Dangerous

Cesium-137 is a radioactive byproduct of nuclear reactors and weapons testing. Long-term exposure can cause radiation sickness, cancer, burns, or death. Federal agencies monitor food imports to prevent harmful levels from entering the U.S. food supply.

For more tips on consumer protection and the status of the contamination of shrimp, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.