Southwind Foods LLC of Carson, CA, is recalling more than 60 lots of frozen shrimp because of possible contamination with radionuclide (Cesium-137). Cs-137 is a manmade radioisotope of cesium.
Traces of Cs-137 are widespread and can be present in the environment at background levels, and at higher levels in water or foods grown, raised, or produced in areas with environmental contamination. The primary health effect of concern following longer term, repeated low dose exposure — such as through consumption of contaminated food or water over time — is an elevated risk of cancer, resulting from damage to DNA within living cells of the body.
The bagged, frozen shrimp product was distributed between June 24 and Sept. 16, 2025, to retailers, distributors, and wholesalers in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
There is concern that consumers still have the frozen shrimp in their homes because of the products long shelf life.
For a list of the recalled lots, click here. The company did not include photos of the products in their recall notice.
There have been nine recalls of frozen shrimp from various companies in the United States because of exposure to the contaminated containers. For links to those recalls, click here.
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.Authorities in Indonesia have reported that an accident out of the company’s control was the source of the contamination.
Please find additional information on the FDA recall website at: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled frozen shrimp should not consume the product and should dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 323-262-8222.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here)
