Shrimp Recall Expanded Over Radioactivity Concerns
A Seattle-based seafood distributor, AquaStar Corp., is widening its recall of frozen shrimp sold at Kroger stores nationwide due to worries about possible radioactive contamination.
The company announced the recall of approximately 157,000 additional pounds of shrimp, fearing the presence of cesium-137, a radioactive substance. This follows a previous recall in August. The affected products, sold between June and September, include various Kroger-branded shrimp items available at Kroger and associated stores in over 30 states.
Federal authorities are investigating the potential contamination. While the risk to consumers appears small, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that repeated exposure to even low levels of cesium-137 could pose a health concern.
The source of the contamination is suspected to be an Indonesian company, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods). The FDA issued a safety alert in August regarding shrimp imported from this company after cesium-137 was found in shipping containers.
While contaminated shipments were not released for sale, concerns remain that other shipments may have been processed under conditions that led to contamination. The FDA has issued an import alert to prevent potentially tainted shrimp from entering the U.S.
The situation highlights the importance of strong oversight of imported goods and the need to ensure the safety of our food supply. Some experts suggest the radioactive material may originate from metal at the Indonesian processing site. Investigations are ongoing.
