US Frozen Shrimp Recalled Over Radioactive Risk

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall of frozen shrimp from Southwind Foods, a California-based seafood company, due to potential contamination with radioactive material, Cesium-137 (Cs-137). The recall affects a limited quantity of products distributed between July 17 and August 8 to retailers, distributors, and wholesalers in Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

Cesium-137, a soft, silvery-white metal that becomes liquid near room temperature, is commonly used in medical devices and industrial gauges. While no illnesses have been reported, the FDA emphasized that repeated low-dose exposure could increase cancer risk by causing DNA damage in living cells.

The recall includes products sold under the brands Sand Bar, Best Yet, Arctic Shores Seafood Company, Great American Seafood Imports Co., and First Street. The agency has not specified which retailers carried the affected items, nor has it disclosed how the shrimp were exposed to the radioactive substance.

Consumers who purchased the recalled frozen shrimp are advised not to eat the products. They should either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and is actively investigating reports of radioactive exposure in shipping containers.

This action follows a similar recall earlier this week involving PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, also known as BMS Food, is an Indonesian seafood company. Their frozen shrimp, sold in Walmart stores across the United States, was removed from shelves after potential exposure to radioactive materials was detected. Officials are investigating whether there is any connection between the two incidents.

The FDA is collaborating with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that all recalled products are properly tracked and removed from the supply chain. Health authorities continue to stress the importance of checking food labels and following recall instructions to prevent exposure.

Southwind Foods issued a statement confirming the recall and emphasizing its commitment to consumer safety. The company reassured the public that it is cooperating fully with federal agencies to identify the source of contamination and prevent future incidents.

Public health experts note that while the likelihood of immediate harm from low-level exposure is low, the precautionary measure is necessary to protect consumers. Cesium-137 contamination in food is rare, and regulatory agencies treat such incidents seriously to prevent potential long-term health risks.

Consumers seeking more information can contact the FDA’s consumer hotline or visit the agency’s official website, which provides detailed guidance on identifying recalled products and steps for safe disposal or return.

This latest recall highlights ongoing vigilance in monitoring the safety of imported and domestic seafood products. Federal agencies continue to investigate the causes and distribution of potentially contaminated seafood to safeguard public health and prevent further exposure to hazardous substances.