Attention seafood enthusiasts, it’s time to inspect your freezers. A critical recall has been announced for a large quantity of shrimp due to potential contamination with radioactive substances.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a notice on December 19 stating that Direct Source Seafood LLC is recalling 83,000 bags of raw, frozen shrimp imported from Indonesia to the U.S. market.
The report indicated that the shrimp may have been prepared, packed, or stored under unsanitary conditions. Investigation revealed possible contamination with cesium-137, a synthetic radioactive isotope.
Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a human-made radioisotope of cesium. People encounter harmless background levels of this isotope daily, a residual effect from nuclear tests conducted during the 1950s and 1960s.
There is, however, a potential for heightened levels of the isotope in foods and beverages sourced from areas affected by environmental contamination, which has raised concerns about this imported shrimp.
The FDA pointed out that chronic, low-dose exposure, such as consuming contaminated foods, could result in health issues and side effects, including an increased cancer risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that internal exposure to Cs-137 through ingestion or inhalation can lead to the distribution of radioactive material in the body’s soft tissues, exposing them to beta particles and gamma radiation.
The frozen shrimp in question is marketed under two brand names: Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro.
Both brands have distribution in major retail outlets.
Waterfront Bistro frozen shrimp bags were available at Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Safeway, and Lucky Supermarket locations on or after June 30 in states including Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.
Similarly, Market 32 packages were sold at Price Chopper stores on or after July 11 in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
The FDA is conducting an ‘active investigation’ into reports of Cs-137 contamination in shipping containers bearing products from Indonesia to the U.S. These products were produced by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, also known 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 stated.
Although no illnesses have been reported, consumers are advised to dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a complete refund.
In August 2025, Walmart previously recalled a similar frozen shrimp product due to concerns over potential contamination with the radioactive isotope.