News Summary
Virginia has expanded a recall of frozen shrimp products due to potential contamination with Cesium-137 (Cs-137). The FDA began the recall after detecting Cs-137 in shrimp at major U.S. ports. Initially issued by BMS Foods, the recall includes several brands distributed in nine states. Consumers are advised not to consume the affected products and to check the FDA’s website for a complete list of recalls. Although no illnesses have been reported, experts warned of the risks associated with prolonged exposure to Cs-137.
Virginia is currently in the midst of an expanded recall of frozen shrimp products due to potential contamination with Cesium-137 (Cs-137). This recall was initiated following an extensive investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after the detection of Cs-137 in shipping containers at four major U.S. ports.
Initially, Indonesia-based BMS Foods was the first to issue a recall when a sample of its breaded shrimp tested positive for Cs-137. Following this, Southwind Foods has expanded the recall to include frozen shrimp sold under various brand names in nine states, including Virginia. This involves products distributed from July 17 to August 8, featuring brands such as Sand Bar, Best Yet, Arctic Shores, Great American, and First Street. The “Best-by” dates for these products extend into the year 2027.
In addition to Southwind Foods, AquaStar (USA) Corp. recalled approximately 26,460 packages of cocktail shrimp and about 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp. This cocktail shrimp was available in Walmart stores across 28 states, but not in Virginia, with sales occurring from July 31 to August 16. The Kroger Mercado shrimp, sold in Virginia and multiple other states, comes in 2-pound clear plastic bags with “Best-by” dates of November 19-20, 2027.
The FDA had earlier alerted consumers to be cautious with Walmart’s Great Value brand frozen shrimp products, which could also be part of this extensive recall. The contamination was traced back to shipping containers located in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah. The FDA is currently collaborating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to trace the affected products.
While the levels of Cs-137 detected in the recalled shrimp are not believed to pose immediate health risks, health experts warn that repeated exposure to low levels of this radioactive material could increase the risk of cancer due to potential DNA damage. Cs-137 can exist in the environment at varying levels, primarily posing a danger through long-term exposure rather than a single consumption.
As a precaution, consumers are strongly advised against eating any of the recalled shrimp products. Those who may have purchased these shrimp are encouraged to return them to the store for a full refund or dispose of them safely. A comprehensive list of all implicated products can be found on the FDA’s official website, ensuring consumers can verify what items to avoid.
The FDA has not reported any illnesses related to these recalled shrimp products to date. However, ongoing investigations may lead to additional alerts based on future findings regarding the contamination. As part of the safety measures, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, the company behind the initial shrimp products, has been placed on a Detention Without Physical Examination list by the FDA to prevent further product imports until safety concerns are resolved.
The public is reminded to remain vigilant in checking for the recalled brands as this situation develops. Future updates may be expected depending on the outcomes of the ongoing investigations. Ensuring consumer safety remains a priority as the FDA works diligently to address this contamination issue and track the implicated seafood products.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Patch: Radioactive Shrimp Recall Expands
- Wikipedia: Cesium-137
- Miami Herald: Shrimp Recall Information
- Google Search: Radioactive Shrimp Recall
- Fast Company: FDA Radioactive Shrimp Recall
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Radiation
- ABC News: Shrimp Recalled Due to Contamination
- Google News: Frozen Shrimp Recall
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
