Published Time: 09-06-2025, 10:15 EDT

Radioactive contamination at an industrial site in Indonesia may be responsible for recent massive recalls of frozen shrimp imported to the United States, international nuclear safety officials report. The contamination has prompted regulatory agencies to halt further shipments while investigating the source.

Radioactive Cesium Detected at Processing Plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Indonesian nuclear regulators detected Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, at a seafood processing facility in Serang, west of Jakarta. The plant exported millions of pounds of frozen shrimp to the U.S.

“Preliminary information suggests that it may have originated from activities at a metal melting facility at the same industrial site or from the disposal of scrap metal to other areas of the site,” said IAEA spokesperson Fredrik Dahl in a statement.

No U.S. investigators have yet visited the site, federal authorities said.

Massive Shrimp Recalls Underway

The exporter, PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), has voluntarily recalled over 300 shipping containers already en route to U.S. ports, Dahl added.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported last month that Cesium-137 was detected in shipping containers arriving at four U.S. ports and in a sample of imported frozen shrimp. This prompted widespread recalls from major retailers, including Walmart and Kroger.

This week, Tampa Maid Foods LLC of Florida issued additional recalls for breaded butterfly shrimp sold under labels such as Admiral of the Fleet and Portico Seafood Classic.

“None of the shrimp that triggered alerts or tested positive for Cesium-137 was released for sale,” the FDA said. However, other shipments may have been processed under conditions that allowed for potential contamination.

Health Risks and Regulatory Response

Although the risk to the public appears limited, the FDA warns that long-term exposure to low levels of Cesium-137 could pose potential health concerns. To prevent further contamination, the agency issued an import alert for shrimp from BMS Foods.

Records indicate that the company exported roughly 12 million pounds of shrimp to ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia, during July and August, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data analyzed by trade firm Import Genius.

CBP alerted the FDA about the possible radioactive contamination in multiple shipping containers. In response, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has deployed emergency teams to isolate and assess Cesium-137 levels, according to a U.S. Energy Department spokesperson.

Cesium-137 Levels and Expert Insights

The detected Cesium-137 concentration in shrimp measured approximately 68 becquerels per kilogram, significantly below the FDA’s threshold of 1,200 becquerels per kilogram that would necessitate health protections.

“It’s unusual to see that concentration of Cesium-137 in shrimp,” said Steve Biegalski, a nuclear medicine expert at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Experts suggest the contamination could originate from recycled medical equipment containing Cesium-137. Historically, the isotope has been used in medical devices for blood sterilization and cancer treatment. If not properly removed during recycling, the radioactive material could inadvertently enter the environment.

“If they get broken up in some sort of crushing mechanism, then all of a sudden, it’s basically a salt,” Biegalski explained. “It would be like you taking a giant salt shaker and spreading it all over the kitchen floor.”

Containment and Cleanup Efforts

Containing and mitigating radioactive contamination requires specialized training and procedures. Experts emphasize the importance of tracking, isolating, and safely cleaning up the affected site to prevent further exposure.

“It needs to be tracked down, isolated and cleaned up,” Biegalski said, highlighting the urgency of managing radioactive material safely.

U.S. and international authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, coordinating with Indonesian regulators to ensure that further shipments are halted and contaminated sites are properly secured.

Global Implications

This incident underscores the risks associated with global seafood supply chains and the importance of strict safety protocols for imported food products. While the immediate health risk to consumers appears low, ongoing monitoring and rigorous enforcement remain essential to prevent future contamination.

Authorities are urging vigilance in industrial recycling practices and nuclear material handling, especially when such materials may intersect with food processing operations.

Source: AP News – Radioactive metal at an Indonesia industrial site may be linked to shrimp recall

The post Radioactive Cesium Found at Indonesian Plant May Be Source of U.S. Shrimp Recalls appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Published Time: 08-20-2025, 14:30

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation after traces of radioactive material were detected in imported shrimp distributed to Walmart. The discovery, confirmed through testing at several major U.S. ports, has prompted a nationwide recall and a consumer safety warning.

Officials said the contaminated seafood originated from an Indonesian supplier and contained Cesium-137, a radioactive substance linked to nuclear activity. The FDA is now coordinating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and international regulators to prevent further distribution of the affected products.

Contamination Detected at U.S. Ports

The issue came to light after CBP flagged irregularities during routine inspections of seafood shipments entering the United States. According to an FDA news release, testing revealed Cesium-137 contamination in frozen shrimp processed in Indonesia. The findings were made at four major entry points: Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia.

Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of Cesium-137 in at least one sample of breaded shrimp. As a result, the Indonesian supplier, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (also known as BMS Foods), was placed on the FDA’s “red list.” This designation bans the company’s products from being sold in the U.S. until the contamination issue is resolved.

Walmart Recall and Advisory

Following the alert, Walmart issued a recall of its Great Value brand raw frozen shrimp, acting on FDA’s directive. The affected products were reportedly distributed after CBP’s initial detection but from shipments that did not immediately test positive for radiation.

In a statement to FOX Business, Walmart emphasized its commitment to consumer safety:

“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. We have issued a sales restriction and removed this product from impacted stores. We are working closely with the supplier and authorities to investigate the issue.”

The FDA advised consumers not to eat or serve Great Value raw frozen shrimp with the following lot codes: 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1. Customers who have purchased the product are urged to dispose of it immediately.

Understanding Cesium-137 and Risks

Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a man-made radioactive isotope commonly produced during nuclear reactions. While trace amounts exist naturally in the environment through soil, air, and water, its presence in food is considered abnormal and a potential health risk.

The FDA explained that any unexpected detection of Cs-137 in food triggers a case-by-case safety review. In this instance, contamination appears to have occurred due to “unsanitary conditions” during processing and storage by the Indonesian supplier.

Ongoing Investigation

The FDA has confirmed that it is working with CBP and Indonesian seafood regulators to determine the root cause of the contamination and trace all affected products through the supply chain.

“Protecting public health is our highest priority. We are coordinating with international partners to ensure that contaminated food products do not enter U.S. markets,” the FDA said in its statement.

BMS Foods, the supplier linked to the contaminated shipment, has not issued a public response to requests for comment.

Consumer Guidance

Consumers are advised to check their freezers for the recalled shrimp products and to avoid serving them under any circumstances. The FDA stressed that proper disposal is the safest course of action, as cooking does not remove radioactive contamination.

The agency added that it will continue updating the public as the investigation progresses and additional information becomes available.

Key Takeaways

• FDA confirms Cesium-137 contamination in frozen shrimp imported from Indonesia.
• Affected products were sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand.
• Consumers should not eat shrimp with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, or 8005539-1.
• Supplier BMS Foods placed on FDA “red list” pending investigation.
• Ongoing coordination with CBP and Indonesian authorities to prevent further contamination.

Source: FOX Business – FDA issues warning, investigating after radioactive shrimp bound for Walmart detected at major US ports

The post FDA Probes Radioactive Contamination in Walmart Shrimp Shipment appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.