Published: September-23-2025, 15:00 EDT

A Seattle-based seafood distributor has expanded its recall of shrimp products sold at Kroger-owned grocery stores nationwide due to concerns about possible radioactive contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the products may contain trace amounts of cesium 137, a radioactive isotope linked to nuclear activity. Officials stress the health risk is low, but the ongoing investigation highlights gaps in seafood import safety and monitoring.

Expanded Recall Covers 157,000 Pounds of Shrimp

Aquastar Corp. announced on Saturday that it is recalling nearly 157,000 additional pounds of cooked and frozen shrimp. The affected products were sold between June 12 and September 17 across more than 30 states under several Kroger-owned brands.

The recall includes:

• Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp (nearly 50,000 bags)

• Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp (about 18,000 bags)

• AquaStar Peeled Tail-On Shrimp Skewers (more than 17,000 bags)

The shrimp products were distributed to major grocery chains including Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralph’s, Smith’s, King Soopers, Mariano’s, Pick ‘n Save, Dillons, and others.

Aquastar previously recalled shrimp in August as part of the same FDA investigation into contamination linked to imports from Indonesia.

FDA Links Contamination to Indonesian Supplier

The FDA confirmed that the shrimp under investigation was imported from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), an Indonesian seafood processor. Earlier this year, FDA inspectors detected cesium 137 in shipping containers from the company and in a sample of frozen breaded shrimp.

Although the shrimp that directly tested positive was not released for sale, the agency warned that other shipments may have been exposed to contamination during production or transport. In response, the FDA issued an import alert in August to block potentially unsafe shrimp from entering the U.S.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection records show that more than 3 million pounds of shrimp from BMS Foods entered U.S. ports in September, underscoring the scale of the issue.

What Is Cesium 137 and Why It Matters

Cesium 137 is a byproduct of nuclear fission and is commonly released from nuclear reactors and weapons testing. The isotope can contaminate soil, water, or industrial environments when radioactive waste is mishandled.

Health experts note that short-term exposure to small amounts of cesium 137 is unlikely to cause immediate harm. However, prolonged consumption of contaminated food could increase risks of cancer and other illnesses.

The FDA said that testing revealed levels of about 68 becquerels per kilogram in the shrimp, well below its safety threshold of 1,200 becquerels per kilogram. Still, the agency emphasized caution, stating the shrimp could pose a “potential health concern” if consumed over extended periods.

Possible Source: Contaminated Industrial Metal

Investigators believe the contamination may stem from conditions at or near the Indonesian shrimp processor’s facility. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), evidence suggests exposure could have come from radioactive scrap metal or activities at a nearby smelting plant.

So far, U.S. officials have declined to answer detailed questions from the Associated Press about the source or full scope of the contamination. The uncertainty has fueled calls from consumer groups for greater transparency and tighter regulation of seafood imports.

Regulatory and Industry Response

The FDA continues to monitor shipments from BMS Foods and other suppliers while testing imported seafood for potential contamination. Import alerts remain in place to prevent additional affected products from reaching U.S. grocery shelves.

Kroger and Aquastar both issued public statements emphasizing their cooperation with federal regulators. The companies urged customers who purchased recalled shrimp to return it for a full refund and avoid consumption.

Food safety experts stressed that while the health risk appears minimal, quick action is essential to maintain consumer trust. “Even at low levels, radioactive contamination in food must be taken seriously,” said Dr. Alan Rosen, a professor of environmental health at the University of Washington. “The public deserves clear communication about the risks and the steps being taken to ensure safety.”

Consumer Impact Across the U.S.

The recall affects shoppers in more than 30 states where Kroger operates under multiple store banners. Consumers have been advised to check packaging details carefully and discard or return any affected shrimp.

The incident has also raised questions about supply chain oversight, given the volume of seafood imported annually from Southeast Asia. The U.S. imports more than 90 percent of its seafood, and shrimp remains the single most consumed variety.

Looking Ahead: Food Safety in Global Trade

This case highlights broader challenges in regulating global food supply chains. Experts say contamination events—whether involving bacteria, chemicals, or radioactive materials—underscore the need for stronger international cooperation and inspection systems.

For now, regulators continue to investigate the Indonesian facility, while the FDA maintains its import alert on shrimp products from BMS Foods. Until the source of contamination is fully identified, food safety advocates recommend ongoing testing and stricter monitoring of imported seafood products.

Source: AP News –More shrimp sold at Kroger stores recalled for possible radioactive contamination

The post Kroger Expands Shrimp Recall Over Potential Radioactive Contamination appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Published Time: 08-20-2025, 15:00

Health officials across the United States are warning beachgoers and seafood lovers about Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacteria that thrives in warm coastal waters. Infections can occur through small skin wounds or by consuming raw shellfish, with some cases turning life-threatening. While rare, recent data show an upward trend in cases, particularly along the Gulf Coast and increasingly further north.

Rising Concerns Over Vibrio Infections

Public health agencies report that Vibrio vulnificus has become a recurring summertime concern along the Gulf Coast and the Eastern Seaboard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates around 200 Vibrio vulnificus infections occur annually in the U.S., representing a small portion of the more than 1,000 Vibrio-related illnesses each year. However, the severity is concerning: nearly one in five cases is fatal.

Dr. Fred Lopez, an infectious disease specialist at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, noted that the Gulf Coast provides “the perfect convergence of the right amount of salt and the right amount of heat to let this organism proliferate.”

A Survivor’s Story

In 2019, Bernie Stewart, a retired Florida bounty hunter, developed an infection in his right leg after a kayak fishing trip in Pensacola Bay. What started as what looked like a simple blister quickly escalated into a medical emergency. Stewart spent three months in the hospital, undergoing 10 surgeries to remove infected tissue.

“This ain’t nothing to play with,” Stewart said, warning others to take Vibrio warnings seriously.

How Vibrio Infections Occur

The bacteria live naturally in saltwater and brackish water, such as estuaries and lagoons. People can become infected in two main ways:

• Through open wounds: Cuts, scrapes, piercings, and surgical sites are entry points for the bacteria. Once inside the body, the infection can spread quickly and may require surgery or even amputation.
• Through raw or undercooked seafood: Oysters are the most common source of foodborne Vibrio infections, though other shellfish can also carry the bacteria. Contamination is invisible — there is no way to tell if seafood contains Vibrio simply by looking at it.

According to Lopez, antibiotics that work for foodborne cases are often less effective when the bacteria enter through wounds, making early treatment critical.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone can become infected, severe illness is more common among:

• Elderly adults
• People with weakened immune systems
• Individuals with liver disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions

Doctors emphasize that people in these groups should be especially cautious when swimming in coastal waters or handling raw seafood.

Geographic Trends and Climate Change Impact

Louisiana has reported a sharp increase in Vibrio cases this summer, with 20 infections and four deaths already confirmed — more than double the average for this time of year, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.

Florida, which historically records the highest number of Vibrio cases, has seen 17 infections and five deaths so far this year. Officials note that cases often rise during years when hurricanes or tropical storms impact the region.

Infections have also been reported as far north as Massachusetts, where Cape Cod officials recently issued an alert after a confirmed case. Scientists warn that climate change is contributing to the northward spread of Vibrio. A 2023 study found that the bacteria’s range has been expanding by roughly 30 miles per year.

Symptoms to Watch For

Early signs of Vibrio vulnificus infection may include:

• Fever and chills
• Skin redness, warmth, and swelling
• Rapidly developing blisters or darkened skin patches

Severe cases can progress quickly and may require urgent medical attention, including hospitalization and surgery.

How to Protect Yourself from Vibrio Vulnificus

Health experts recommend the following steps to reduce your risk:

• Avoid swimming with open wounds: Cover cuts, scrapes, or recent surgical sites with a waterproof bandage before entering coastal or brackish water.
• Clean wounds immediately: Wash any exposed cuts with soap and running water after contact with seawater or seafood.
• Cook seafood thoroughly: Do not eat raw or undercooked oysters or shellfish. Follow safe cooking practices and discard any shellfish with open shells before cooking.
• Handle seafood safely: Use protective gloves when handling raw shellfish, especially if you are immunocompromised. Wash hands thoroughly with soap after handling.

The CDC urges anyone who develops symptoms after exposure to seek immediate medical attention.

Calls for Greater Public Awareness

Despite rising cases, warnings are not always visible to the public. Stewart, the Pensacola survivor, said he has urged local officials to post safety signs near popular fishing and swimming spots but has not seen results.

“Not everyone’s immune system is going to be strong,” he said. “People need to know the risks.”

Outlook

With warmer waters and more frequent extreme weather events, experts say Vibrio vulnificus infections are likely to remain a recurring seasonal challenge. While the overall number of cases remains relatively low, the potential severity of infections underscores the importance of prevention and awareness.

Source: AP News – How to protect yourself from Vibrio vulnificus, the bacteria found in some coastal waters

The post How to Protect Yourself from Vibrio Vulnificus Infections in Coastal Waters 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

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