FDA expands recall of radioactive shrimp to 31 states, as precautionary measure
Agency warns consumers not to eat frozen shrimp tied to Cesium-137 contamination; recall covers Kroger and AquaStar brands sold nationwide
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded a recall of frozen shrimp sold in 31 states because of potential Cesium-137 contamination. The recall now covers about 85,000 additional bags, adding to more than 50,000 bags already recalled earlier this year. The newly recalled products include 49,920 bags of Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp; 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp; and 17,264 bags of AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers. The shipments were distributed through Walmart, Kroger and several other chains, and were sold at 18 stores nationwide between June 12 and Sept. 17, 2025. The products carry best before dates ranging from March 2027 to November 2027, according to the FDA notice.
These shipments were produced by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, doing business as BMS Foods, of Indonesia, and were distributed to outlets across the country, including chains such as Baker's, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foodsco, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Gerbes, Jay C, King Soopers, Kroger, Mariano's, Metro Market, Pay Less Supermarkets, Pick 'n Save, Ralphs, Smith's and QFC. The FDA said the recall applies to products found in 31 states across the South, West Coast and Midwest. Consumers are urged not to consume the recalled shrimp and to dispose of them or return them to stores for a full refund.
The FDA has not disclosed how the contamination may have occurred, but officials said the recall reflects concerns about how the shrimp were reared, packed, or held before sale and suggests possible insanitary conditions. The agency emphasized that no product known to be contaminated with cesium-137 has entered the U.S. market at this time, and the recall covers shipments from the Indonesian facility involved in the alert. The agency added that shipments were detected after the Customs and Border Protection agency flagged potential contamination at four major U.S. ports. Tests on some of the shrimp showed a radiation level of 68 becquerels per kilogram, which is well below the FDA’s safety threshold of up to 1,200 Bq/kg, but officials stressed that any presence of cesium-137 warrants precaution.
The FDA said the product from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati appears to violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act due to insanitary conditions that could lead to contamination. The agency noted that, to date, no shrimp known to be contaminated with cesium-137 has entered U.S. commerce.
In addition to the Kroger and AquaStar brands, the recall involved multiple store banners across the country and a broad distribution network. Affected items included the Kroger Raw Colossal shrimp with a UPC of 20011110643906, the Kroger Mercado shrimp with a UPC of 011110626196, and the AquaStar shrimp with a UPC of 731149390010. A full list of affected products is available on the FDA’s website.
Customers who may have purchased the recalled shrimp should avoid consuming it and either discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. The FDA advised that consumers who may have already eaten the product should consult with their doctor if they have health concerns. Those seeking guidance can contact the FDA via its online reporting form. So far, no illnesses or adverse effects linked to the recall have been reported.