United States – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urgently expanded its food recall concerning radioactive contamination in popular seafood products. This time, two additional shrimp brands sold at major retailers are being recalled due to worries about Cesium-137 contamination, a radioactive isotope that poses serious health risks.
The recall now affects nearly 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp and approximately 26,460 packages of Aquastar Corp cocktail shrimp. These brands join previous recalls that focused on Walmart’s Great Value and Southwind Foods shrimp products. The FDA has placed a full import alert on supplier PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) in Indonesia, whose unsanitary storage conditions are believed to have caused this concerning contamination.
Scope and Background of the Radioactive Shrimp Recall
The recall is part of a broad safety review after suspicions emerged about radioactive Cesium-137 being present in shrimp imported from Indonesia. The isotope Cesium-137 is known to cause DNA damage and significantly increase cancer risks if ingested. However, it is important to note that no shrimp products currently on U.S. store shelves have tested positive for the isotope, and there have been no reported illnesses linked to this contamination.
- Nearly 44,460 shrimp packages across multiple brands are recalled in total
- All affected products processed by the Indonesian supplier PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods)
- The supplier is now under a full import alert to prevent further shipments
- FDA advises consumers to immediately dispose of any affected shrimp products
Health Risks and Consumer Guidance from the FDA
Cesium-137 contamination poses substantial health hazards because of its radioactivity. Experts warn that consuming contaminated seafood can lead to elevated risks of genetic mutations and cancers. The FDA emphasizes the precautionary principle in its recall policy despite the lack of confirmed positive tests in distribution.
“Although no illnesses have been reported, and no shrimp on U.S. shelves have tested positive for radioactive isotopes, we urge consumers to exercise caution and dispose of any recalled products immediately,” said a spokesperson from the FDA.
The FDA recommendation also extends to retailers, who must remove affected batches promptly to ensure public safety.
Impact on Retailers and Next Steps
The recall affects multiple major retailers, including Walmart and Kroger, potentially disrupting supply chains for frozen shrimp products and causing consumer concern. Investigations continue as the FDA works closely with the importer and Indonesian authorities to address contamination sources and prevent recurrence.
Consumers are urged to:
- Check their freezer and grocery purchases for recalled product names and batch numbers
- Dispose of any shrimp from the affected brands immediately
- Monitor updates from the FDA and retailers for any new developments
For further information and official recall details, visit the FDA’s announcements and the source article here.
Ensuring Seafood Safety: What Consumers Should Know
This expanded recall highlights the critical importance of stringent safety checks and proper storage conditions in global seafood supply chains. Consumers should remain vigilant regarding seafood origins and pay attention to FDA notices to avoid potential health hazards stemming from radioactive contaminants.
Key Takeaways:
- Radioactive contamination in seafood is rare but can have severe consequences.
- Maintaining proper supplier standards is vital for food safety.
- Consumers play a pivotal role by following recall advisories promptly.
What do you think about this discovery? Have you recently purchased any shrimp brands mentioned in the recall? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
