The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded its warning about potentially radioactive shrimp, adding more brands to the growing recall.
Products Impacted
Nearly 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp and more than 26,000 packs of cocktail shrimp from Aquastar Corp. were recalled this week. Earlier alerts also included Walmart’s Great Value brand and shrimp sold by Southwind Foods.
The shrimp was processed by Indonesian supplier PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), now under a full import alert.
Contamination Risk
The FDA says the products may have been exposed to Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope that can damage DNA and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. No products in the U.S. have tested positive so far, and no illnesses have been reported.
Recall Details
The recalled shrimp was sold between late July and mid-August in more than 40 states under brands including Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American, First Street, Kroger, and Walmart. Customers are urged not to eat the shrimp and to throw it away.
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.
