More shrimp are being recalled due to possible radioactive contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
On Thursday, Aug. 21, Southwind Foods, LLC of Carson, California, voluntarily recalled a limited quantity of frozen shrimp due to possible contamination of Cesium-137, Cs-137, the FDA stated in an announcement.
The radioactive material is also involved in a recall of Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, which was announced earlier this week.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled shrimp.
“The FDA is actively investigating reports of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination in shipping containers and frozen shrimp products processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods) of Indonesia,” the FDA stated.
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Where were the recalled shrimps sold?
The shrimp voluntarily recalled by Southwind Foods were sold in the following states, according to the FDA:
Alabama
Arizona
California
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Pennsylvania
Utah
Virginia
Washington
What was recalled?
The following items are being recalled due to the exposure, according to the FDA:
Frozen Raw Shrimp 31/40 Sand Bar 2 lb Bag
Item Number– 08890
UPC– 011110641182
Lot Number– 087305
Frozen Cooked Shrimp 31/40 Best Yet 1 lb Bag
Item Number– 06350
UPC– 042187002736
Lot Number– 095944
Frozen Cooked Shrimp 31/40 Best Yet 1 lb Bag
Item Number– 06350
UPC– 042187002736
Lot Number– 111154
Frozen Cooked Shrimp 31/50 Best Yet 1 lb Bag
Item Number– 06062
UPC– 042187002743
Lot Number– 095946
Frozen Large Cooked Shrimp 31/40 Arctic Shores 1 lb Bag
Item Number– 08224
UPC-041130812392
Lot Number– 109562
Frozen Small Cooked Shrimp 61/70 Arctic Shores 1 lb Bag
Item Number– 08127
UPC– 041130810497
Lot Number– 109540
Frozen Small Cooked Shrimp 91/120 White Arctic Shores 12 oz Bag
Item Number– 08128
UPC– 041130810411
Lot Number– 109541
Frozen Cooked Salad Shrimp 150-200 Arctic Shores 6 oz Bag
Item Number– 08129
UPC– 041130811685
Lot Number– 109542
Frozen Raw Shrimp 16/20 Great American 2 lb Bag
Item Number– 06021
UPC– 829944010612
Lot Number– 125143
Frozen Raw Shrimp 16/20 First Street 2 lb Bag
Item Number– 06171
UPC– 041512179471
Lot Number– 130632
Frozen Raw Shrimp 71/90 Great American 2 lb Bag
Item Number– 06102
UPC– 829944010698
Lot Number– 128267
Frozen Cooked Shrimp Meat Great American 1 lb Bag
Item Number– 08523
UPC– 829944092540
Lot Number– 134010
Frozen Cooked Shrimp 41/60 Great American 2 lb Bag
Item Number– 06812
UPC– 829944012173
Lot Number– 128275
What to do if you have recalled shrimp
If you have a package of the recalled shrimp at home, do not eat or serve it, the FDA notice says. Instead, throw it away or return it to where it was purchased for a full refund.
Anyone with questions can call Southwind Foods at 1-323-262-8222, from Monday to Friday during business hours, 8 am to 4 pm PT.
Anybody who fears they may have been exposed to elevated levels of cesium should contact their medical providers. To submit a complaint or report an adverse reaction, consumers can visit the FDA’s Industry and Consumer Assistance portal.
PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati placed under an import alert
PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati has also been placed on an import alert for chemical contamination, which prevents any of the company’s food products from entering the United States until it resolves any conditions that could have caused the exposure.
The FDA is working with Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to investigate the cause of the contamination.
What is Cesium-137 (Cs-137) and why is it regulated?
Cs-137 is a radioisotope of cesium, meaning it is a chemical element that emits radiation as it breaks down. It is man-made and is produced by nuclear fission, according to the FDA. In the United States, it is used in medical devices and measurement gauges, such as industrial devices that measure the thickness of materials.
“It is also one of the byproducts of nuclear fission processes in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons testing,” the EPA stated.
Because it is widespread around the globe, trace amounts can be found in the environment, including in soil, food and air, according to the FDA. Agencies, including the FDA and U.S. Customs & Border Protection, test for, monitor and regulate the presence of the substance due to the risks associated with long-term exposure.
Low-level radiation exposure over time can lead to serious health complications, the FDA said. Exposure to Cs-137 alone can cause burns, acute radiation sickness, cancer and death. As a result, the governing agencies restrict potential exposure to minimize the likelihood of these long-term impacts.
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn,X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: More radioactive frozen shrimp sold in the US, says FDA
