The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its warning on contaminated shrimp, announcing that AquaStar (USA) Corp. of Seattle is recalling approximately 85,000 bags of shrimp products due to possible contamination with cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. The products were sold under both the Kroger and AquaStar brands at major grocery chains across 31 U.S. states between June and September 2025.

This is the second major recall in just over a month tied to the same Indonesian supplier, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), which was also linked to contaminated Walmart “Great Value” shrimp in August.

Health Risk
Cesium-137 exposure poses serious health hazards. According to the CDC:

1. External exposure can cause burns, acute radiation sickness, or death.
2. Internal exposure, through ingestion, allows the isotope to distribute in soft tissues, particularly muscle, where beta particles and gamma radiation can damage DNA and increase long-term cancer risks.

No illnesses have been reported so far, but repeated exposure significantly raises the potential for cancer and other severe health outcomes.

Recalled Products

• Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp (2 lbs)

  • UPC: 20011110643906

  • Lot codes: 10662 5085 10 through 10662 5114 11

  • Best If Used By: March–April 2027

• Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp (2 lbs)

  • UPC: 011110626196

  • Lot codes: 10662 5112 11, 10662 5113 10

  • Best Before: October 2027

• AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers (1.25 lbs)

  • UPC: 731149390010

  • Lot codes: 10662 5127 10 through 10662 5135 10

  • Best If Used By: November 2027

Distribution and Retailers
The contaminated shrimp was sold at stores including Kroger, Ralphs, Smith’s, Fry’s, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, QFC, Mariano’s, Pick ’n Save, and other regional chains. States impacted include California, Texas, Ohio, Washington, Georgia, Virginia, Wisconsin, and more.

What Happens Next

1. The FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have stepped up screening protocols for all shipments from BMS Foods in Indonesia.
2. An investigation is underway into the source of radioactive contamination at the facility.
3. Consumers should not eat these products and are advised to check packaging for UPCs, lot codes, and expiration dates.

Consumer Advice

1. Do not consume recalled shrimp.
2. Return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.
3. Consumers with questions can call AquaStar’s recall hotline at 1-800-331-3440 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. PST).

Why It Matters
This recall underscores critical weaknesses in international food safety oversight, as two separate shipments from the same Indonesian supplier have now tested positive for radioactive contamination within weeks. Regulators and retailers are under pressure to review import controls to prevent future incidents.

Source: US FDA