Homeland Security issues new intelligence assessment
U.S. officials are warning that imports from Indonesia contaminated with a radioactive isotope are likely to continue appearing in the coming weeks and months, according to a new Homeland Security intelligence bulletin obtained by ABC News.
The assessment follows a December recall of 84,000 bags of frozen raw shrimp that may have been exposed to cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.
Recall sparks broader concern beyond shrimp
Federal regulators announced the shrimp recall on Dec. 19 after determining the products may have been prepared, packed or stored under conditions that led to potential radioactive exposure.
The bulletin warns the contamination is likely to extend beyond shrimp to other Indonesian goods, including spices and consumer products such as sneakers.
Bulletin outlines scope and risks
“Due to the high number of factories and wide variety of goods produced at facilities in the area of the contamination, additional commodities from Indonesia will almost certainly test positive for Cs-137 in the coming weeks and months,” the bulletin states.
While officials said it is unlikely, the bulletin noted they cannot rule out the possibility that contaminated items could reach the United States through tourism or passenger travel.
Authorities say contamination not intentional
The bulletin emphasized that the U.S. government is “nearly certain” the contamination was not deliberate. Customs and Border Protection officials said they are well equipped to detect and stop affected bulk cargo shipments before they reach consumers.
Additional products flagged
The Food and Drug Administration said it previously recalled shrimp from the same Indonesian processor earlier this year and has also detected cesium-137 in a sample of cloves from an Indonesian spice company.
According to the bulletin, contaminated sneakers originating from Indonesia were intercepted at multiple U.S. ports last summer.
No contaminated products reached consumers
Federal officials said that, so far, no products that tested positive or triggered radiation alerts have entered the U.S. marketplace.
For more health guidelines, warnings, and updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.