Federal officials announced Thursday that additional packages of frozen shrimp have been recalled due to concerns over potential radioactive contamination.
Southwind Foods, based in California, issued a recall for frozen shrimp sold under several brand names, including Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American, and First Street. The recalled products, packaged in bags, were distributed between July 17 and August 8 to retailers and wholesalers in nine states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
The shrimp may be contaminated with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope produced as a byproduct of nuclear reactions.
Earlier this week, Walmart recalled packages of its Great Value frozen raw shrimp across 13 states after similar concerns about possible radioactive contamination.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a consumer safety alert following the detection of Cesium-137 in shipping containers arriving at four U.S. ports, as well as in a sample of frozen breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia by BMS Foods.
The FDA urges consumers to avoid eating any of the recalled shrimp. While low levels of Cesium-137 can be found naturally in the environment, including in soil, food, and air, long-term or repeated exposure—even at low doses—can increase the risk of cancer.
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