Imported Frozen Shrimp recalled due to Cesium-137 Contamination

United States

Update September 25th, 2025:
On September 2, 2025, Southwind Foods, LLC expanded its recall of frozen shrimp to include additional lots and products. The affected shrimp was distributed between July 17 and August 8, 2025, to retailers, distributors, and wholesalers in Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

The expanded recall now covers multiple Sand Bar, Best Yet, Arctic Shores, First Street, and Great American brand frozen raw and cooked shrimp products with various lot numbers and best-by dates extending into mid-2027.

FDA’s investigation remains ongoing. More updates will be provided as they become available.

Source: FDA


Update September 2nd, 2025:
Southwind Foods, LLC has expanded its recall of frozen shrimp to include additional lots and products. The affected shrimp was distributed between July 17 and August 8, 2025, to retailers, distributors, and wholesalers in AL, AZ, CA, MA, MN, PA, UT, VA, and WA.

The expanded recall covers multiple Sand Bar, Best Yet, Arctic Shores, First Street, and Great American brand frozen raw and cooked shrimp products with various lot numbers and best-by dates extending into mid-2027.

FDA’s investigation is still ongoing, and more updates will be provided as they become available.

Source: FDA


Update Aigust 29th, 2025:
AquaStar (USA) Corp of Seattle, WA has expanded its recall to include approximately 26,460 packages of Cocktail Shrimp (6 oz., sold in a clear plastic tray) and 18,000 bags (2 lbs.) of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp. These products were sold in multiple states through Walmart, Kroger, and affiliated retailers between late July and mid-August 2025.

FDA’s investigation remains ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

Source: FDA


Update August 22nd, 2025:
FDA has provided new developments regarding the recall of frozen shrimp products processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods). Beaver Street Fisheries, LLC (Jacksonville, FL) recalled Great Value Frozen Raw Shrimp EZ-Peel & Deveined Tail-On 21–25 Per lb, 2 lb bag. These products were distributed in AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, MS, OH, OK, PA, TX, and WV, and sold in select Walmart stores between July 28 – August 7, 2025.

At this time, FDA reports that no shrimp testing positive for Cesium-137 has entered U.S. commerce. However, recalls are being carried out to prevent possible exposure. FDA’s investigation is ongoing and further updates will be shared as available.

Source: FDA


Update August 21st, 2025:
On August 21, Southwind Foods, LLC announced a recall affecting several brands of raw and cooked frozen shrimp. The recalled shrimp, sold in bags, was distributed to retailers, wholesalers, and distributors between July 17 and August 8, 2025, in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

Source: FDA


August 19th, 2025
PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, an Indonesian company, is recalling certain frozen shrimp products due to potential contamination with Cesium-137. These products were distributed to Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia in the United States.

FDA determined that the product from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati violates the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act in that it appears to have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with Cs-137 and may pose a safety concern.

FDA has also added PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati to a new import alert (you can check the link down below) for chemical contamination to stop products from this firm from coming into the U.S. until the firm has resolved the conditions that gave rise to the appearance of the violation.

AFFECTED PRODUCT:

PRODUCT: Great Value – Frozen Raw White Vannamei Shrimp
- Product Type: Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp
- Size: 2 lb bag
- Best By: 3/15/2027
- Item Code: 7383108
- Lot Code: 8005540-1

PRODUCT: Great Value – Frozen Raw White Vannamei Shrimp
- Product Type: Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp
- Size: 2 lb bag
- Best By: 3/15/2027
- Item Code: 7383108
- Lot Code: 8005538-1

PRODUCT: Great Value – Frozen Raw White Vannamei Shrimp
- Product Type: Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp
- Size: 2 lb bag
- Best By: 3/15/2027
- Item Code: 7383108
- Lot Code: 8005539-1

The exact quantity of the recalled product has not been specified.

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

The issue was identified after U.S. Customs & Border Protection detected Cesium-137 in a shipment, prompting the FDA to recommend a recall. The recall was initiated on August 14, 2025, and is classified under a new import alert for chemical contamination. The FDA's investigation is ongoing.

Import Alert: www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_1187.html
Source: www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-public-not-eat-sell-or-serve-certain-imported-frozen-shrimp-indonesian-firm