The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a significant recall involving frozen shrimp products after detecting radioactive Cesium-137 in several shipments. This expanded recall follows a recent Walmart recall of frozen raw shrimp under the Great Value brand, now covering thirteen products from Southwind Foods of California sold under brands like Sand Bar, Best Yet, Great American, Arctic Shores, and First Street.
Issued on August 21, 2025, the recall affects raw and cooked shrimp products, as well as shrimp salads, distributed across retailers, wholesalers, and distributors in nine states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. The FDA has released images of the recalled products to help consumers identify and discard them promptly.
Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a radioactive isotope produced during nuclear fission and commonly released during nuclear accidents. While small amounts occur naturally, elevated levels can contaminate food and water, leading to health risks if consumed over time. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that prolonged exposure may increase cancer risk due to DNA damage. So far, no illnesses have been reported, but investigations continue.
The contamination is traced to shrimp supplied by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) of Indonesia, which is also under investigation for poor sanitary conditions and chemical contamination. As a result, BMS Foods is barred from exporting shrimp to the U.S.
Earlier, Walmart recalled three Great Value shrimp lots distributed in several states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia, with best-by dates of March 15, 2027. The FDA urges consumers to dispose of these products safely and avoid consumption.
Concerns about Cesium-137 stem from its long half-life of about 30 years, meaning it remains hazardous for decades in the environment. With shrimp being one of the most consumed seafood types in the U.S., this recall raises alarms about seafood safety and import controls.
The FDA is intensively investigating both the shrimp and shipping containers, seeking to understand contamination extent. This incident follows earlier recalls, such as a large listeria-related shrimp recall earlier this year, spotlighting growing scrutiny of seafood imports and processing standards.
Southwind Foods states it is cooperating fully with the FDA to remove contaminated products, but the large recall highlights vulnerabilities in global food supply chains where contamination can spread widely under multiple brand names.
While no immediate health issues are linked to these shrimp, the FDA warns that repeated exposure to radioactive substances could elevate cancer risk, emphasizing the importance of precautionary recalls.
For consumers, the agency recommends discarding affected products immediately rather than attempting returns or consumption. The FDA will provide updates as investigations progress, reminding those who regularly purchase frozen shrimp—particularly from Walmart and prominent brands—to monitor packaging carefully.
This event underscores the challenges of ensuring food safety in an increasingly complex global market and the critical role of rigorous oversight to protect public health.
