Shrimp Recall Due to Radioactive Contamination
Hundreds of thousands of bags of cooked and frozen shrimp sold at Kroger stores across the U.S. have been recalled, according to an announcement posted to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration website. The recall, issued by Seattle-based distributor AquaStar USA Corp. on Sept. 20, is due to concerns over potential radioactive contamination.
Texas is included among the states impacted by the recall.
Affected Products
Approximately 9,920 bags of Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp (net weight 2 pounds); about 18,000 bags (net weight 2 pounds) of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp; and more than 17,000 bags of AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers (net weight 1.25 pounds) may have been exposed to man-made radioisotope Cesium-137. The product was possibly prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions, which resulted in the potential exposure.
The shrimps, sold between June 12 and Sept. 17, 2025, should not be consumed and should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase for a refund.
Health Risks
Longer term, repeated low dose exposure to Cesium-137 could result in an elevated risk of cancer, damaging DNA within living cells of the body, according to the FDA’s announcement.
Affected Retailers
In addition to Kroger stores, the affected shrimps were also sold at the following retailers: The Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foodsco, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Jay C, King Soopers, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less Supermarkets, Pick ‘n Save, Ralphs, Smith’s and QFC.
A complete list of the more than 30 impacted states is available on the FDA website.
Checking the Safety of Purchased Product
Impacted stores in Dallas-Fort Worth were not immediately available. Relying on images of packaging, along with UPC codes, listed on the FDA website is the best way to check the safety of purchased product.
Previous Recalls
AquaStar USA Corp. previously recalled shrimp in August at Walmart and Kroger because of concerns over radioactive contamination from cesium-137. H&N Group, which is based in California, also recalled frozen shrimp sold on the East Coast at the time.
The current recall, along with the recalls in August, are tied to product received from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, which does business as BMS Foods and is out of Indonesia. The FDA said in an Aug. 19 statement that no product that has tested positive or alerted for Cesium-137 has entered U.S. commerce.
Conclusion
The recall of hundreds of thousands of bags of cooked and frozen shrimp due to potential radioactive contamination is a serious issue that affects many states across the U.S. It is essential to check the safety of purchased product and return or dispose of any affected items to avoid potential health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What products are affected by the recall?
A: The recall affects approximately 9,920 bags of Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp, about 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp, and more than 17,000 bags of AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers.
Q: What is the reason for the recall?
A: The recall is due to concerns over potential radioactive contamination from man-made radioisotope Cesium-137.
Q: What are the potential health risks associated with Cesium-137?
A: Longer term, repeated low dose exposure to Cesium-137 could result in an elevated risk of cancer, damaging DNA within living cells of the body.
Q: How can I check if my purchased product is affected?
A: You can check the safety of your purchased product by relying on images of packaging, along with UPC codes, listed on the FDA website.
Q: What should I do if I have purchased an affected product?
A: You should not consume the product and should dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
