The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a second major recall of frozen shrimp this week following concerns over possible radioactive contamination with Cesium-137 (Cs-137).

California-based Southwind Foods is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of its frozen shrimp products after they were potentially exposed to Cs-137, a radioactive material commonly used in certain medical devices and industrial gauges, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Products and Distribution

The recalled shrimp products, marketed under the brands:

• Sand Bar
• Best Yet
• Arctic Shores Seafood Co.
• Great American Seafood Imports Co.
• First Street

The affected items were distributed between July 17 and August 8, 2025, reaching retailers, distributors, and wholesalers in the following states:

1. Alabama
2. Arizona
3. California
4. Massachusetts
5. Minnesota
6. Pennsylvania
7. Utah
8. Virginia
9. Washington

The FDA has not specified which retailers carried the products.

Health Hazard

The FDA noted that repeated low-dose exposure to Cs-137 may increase the risk of cancer due to potential DNA damage in living cells. As of now, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled shrimp.

This action follows a similar recall earlier this week by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), an Indonesian seafood company whose shrimp products, sold in Walmart stores across the U.S., were also linked to potential exposure from contaminated shipping containers. The FDA is conducting a broader investigation into these incidents.

Consumer Guidance

Consumers who purchased the recalled frozen shrimp should:

1. Not consume the product.
2. Dispose of it safely or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
3. Seek medical advice if concerned about possible health effects.

Official Advisory

The FDA emphasized that while the contamination risk is under investigation, the recall is a precautionary measure to protect public health.

Source: FDA