FDA issues urgent recall for 80,000 bags of shrimp in these 17 states over fears it could be radioactive

Seafood lovers, check your freezers. An urgent recall has been issued on tens of thousands of bags of shrimp after the product was found to be potentially contaminated by radioactive chemicals.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notice released on December 19 stated that Direct Source Seafood LLC is recalling 83,000 bags of raw, frozen shrimp that were imported from Indonesia to the United States.

According to the report, the product had potentially been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions. After being investigated, it was found that the product may be contaminated with cesium-137, a human-made radioactive isotope.

Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a man-made radioisotope of cesium. Every day, humans are exposed to harmless, background levels of the isotope as it is present in the environment following nuclear weapon testing in the 1950s and 1960s.

The FDA recalled 83,000 bags of frozen shrimp (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

However, there may be higher levels of the isotope in food and water that have been produced, grown, or raised in areas with environmental contamination, raising concern about the imported shrimp product.

The FDA reported that longer-term, frequent low-dose exposure, including consumption through contaminated foods, could cause unwanted illnesses and side effects, including an elevated risk of cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, internal exposure to Cs-137, through ingestion or inhalation, allows the radioactive material to be distributed in the soft tissues, exposing them to the beta particles and gamma radiation.

The affected frozen shrimp product is currently being sold under two brand names: Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro.

Both brands were stocked at major retailers.

Waterfront Bistro frozen shrimp bags were carried at Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Safeway, and Lucky Supermarket stores on or after June 30 in stores across Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.

17 states have been affected (Getty Stock Photo)

Meanwhile, Market 32 bags were sold at Price Chopper stores on or after July 11 in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

The FDA is 'actively investigating' reports of Cs-137 contamination in shipping containers carrying products from Indonesia to the US. The products were manufactured by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods).

“At this time, no product that has tested positive or alerted for Cesium-137 (Cs-137) has entered the U.S. marketplace,” the administration noted.

While there have been no reports of illness, consumers should throw away the product or return it to the point of purchase for a full refund.

In August 2025, Walmart recalled a similar frozen shrimp product that was also potentially contaminated with the radioactive isotope.

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