Recall Alert: Shrimp Products Linked to Potential Radioactive Contamination
AquaStar (USA) Corp. has announced the recall of over 85,000 bags of shrimp due to concerns regarding potential contamination with cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. The announcement was made through an alert issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on September 22, 2025.
Details of the Recall
The recall affects a variety of shrimp products sold at multiple retail locations across 31 states. The specific items involved in the recall include:
| Product Name | Approximate Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp | 49,920 bags |
| Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp | 18,000 bags |
| AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers | 17,264 bags |
These shrimp products were available for purchase between June 12 and September 17, 2025, at various stores such as Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, and King Soopers. The affected states include Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Health Implications
According to the FDA, while there is a possibility that the shrimp may contain cesium-137, no products have tested positive for this radioactive isotope thus far. Cesium-137 is produced from nuclear fission and is known to be a byproduct of nuclear reactors and weapons testing. The primary health concern associated with long-term exposure to low doses is an increased risk of cancer, related to DNA damage within cells.
Currently, there have been no illnesses reported in connection with the recalled products. However, the FDA strongly advises consumers who have purchased any of the affected shrimp varieties not to consume them. Instead, they should dispose of the items or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.
Import and Previous Recalls
The shrimp involved in this recall were imported from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, an Indonesian company that has faced scrutiny before. Recently, this same company was linked to another recall concerning frozen shrimp sold at Walmart, after cesium-137 was discovered in a singular shipment from the supplier.
The FDA reiterates that, at this time, no products confirmed to have cesium-137 have made it into U.S. commerce.
For specific UPC codes and lot numbers associated with the recalled shrimp products, consumers are encouraged to visit the FDA’s official website.
