Frozen Shrimp Recall: Radioactive Contamination Risk
- Food and Drug Governance (FDA) is overseeing recalls of frozen shrimp after detecting Cesium-137 (Cs-137),a radioactive isotope,in shipments originating from an Indonesian processing plant.
- While no shrimp currently on sale in the United States has tested positive for Cs-137, the FDA advises consumers to be aware of the recalls, as shrimp from...
- Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope created as a byproduct of nuclear fission, found in both nuclear reactors and weapons testing, and used in some industrial and medical applications.
Radioactive Contamination Prompts Shrimp recalls: What You need to Know
Table of Contents
updated August 23, 2025, at 6:01 AM PDT
What Happened?
The U.S. Food and Drug Governance (FDA) is overseeing recalls of frozen shrimp after detecting Cesium-137 (Cs-137),a radioactive isotope,in shipments originating from an Indonesian processing plant. U.S. Customs and Border Control initially prevented entry of the contaminated shipments, but the FDA is acting out of caution due to potential exposure of products already in the supply chain.
While no shrimp currently on sale in the United States has tested positive for Cs-137, the FDA advises consumers to be aware of the recalls, as shrimp from the affected supplier may have been exposed during processing. The agency emphasizes that traces of Cs-137 exist naturally in the environment, but elevated levels can pose health risks.
Understanding Cesium-137 and Potential Health Risks
Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope created as a byproduct of nuclear fission, found in both nuclear reactors and weapons testing, and used in some industrial and medical applications. The FDA explains that while low levels of Cs-137 are naturally present, higher concentrations-resulting from contamination-can be harmful. Repeated exposure, even at low doses, can damage DNA and potentially increase the risk of cancer.
Which Shrimp Are Affected?
Walmart Recall (august 19, 2025)
Walmart initiated a recall of three lots of its Great value brand frozen raw shrimp. Consumers shoudl check their freezers for the following:
| Brand | Product | Lot Code | best By Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Value | Frozen Raw Shrimp | 8005540-1 | March 15,2027 |
| Great Value | Frozen Raw Shrimp | 8005538-1 | March 15,2027 |
| Great value | Frozen Raw Shrimp | 8005539-1 | March 15,2027 |
These recalled products were sold in stores across Alabama,Arkansas,Florida,Georgia,Kentucky,Louisiana,Missouri,Mississippi,Ohio,Oklahoma,Pennsylvania,texas,and West Virginia.
Southwind Foods Recall (august 21, 2025)
Southwind Foods, a California-based distributor, is recalling a wider range of frozen shrimp products sold under multiple brands.The recall includes both raw and cooked varieties distributed between July 17 and August 8, 2025, to retailers, distributors, and wholesalers in:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
- Virginia
- washington state
The recalled brands include:
- Sand Bar
- Arctic Shores
- Best yet
- Great American
- First Street
A comprehensive list of recalled products is available on the FDA’s website.
What Should You Do?
If you have purchased any of the recalled shrimp, the FDA advises that you do not consume it. You should either discard the product instantly or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.