The FDA announced on Dec. 19 that Direct Source Seafood recalled about 83,800 bags of frozen raw shrimp imported from Indonesia and sold under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brands due to possible contamination with cesium‑137. The 1‑ and 2‑lb bags were distributed to stores in 17 states and have "best by" dates from April 22–27, 2027. No illnesses have been reported, but the FDA warns repeated low‑dose exposure to Cs‑137 may increase cancer risk. Consumers who purchased the product should not eat it and should return or discard it.
83,800 Bags of Frozen Shrimp Recalled Over Possible Cesium‑137 Contamination — 17 States Affected
GettyRaw shrimp (stock photo)
More than 83,000 bags of frozen raw shrimp were recalled on Dec. 19 after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned the product may be contaminated with the man‑made radioisotope cesium‑137 (Cs‑137).
What Happened
Direct Source Seafood LLC issued the recall for roughly 83,800 one‑ and two‑pound bags of frozen raw shrimp imported from Indonesia and sold under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brand names. The FDA said the shrimp "may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have become contaminated with cesium‑137."
Where It Was Sold
The recalled products were distributed to a variety of grocery banners — including Price Chopper, Jewel‑Osco, Albertsons, Safeway, Lucky and other supermarket chains — across a total of 17 states. The FDA specifically named several of the states that received the product, including Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.
FDARecalled bags of frozen shrimp
Dates, Labels and Retail Guidance
The affected shrimp were sold on or after June 30, 2025. Package "best by" dates range from April 22, 2027 through April 27, 2027. Consumers who bought these bags are advised not to eat the shrimp and to either discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Health Risks and Context
According to the FDA, the primary long‑term health concern from repeated low‑dose exposure to Cs‑137 is an increased risk of cancer resulting from DNA damage within living cells. The agency noted that traces of Cs‑137 can be present at background levels in the environment and at higher levels in areas with environmental contamination. As of the agency's announcement, no illnesses had been reported in connection with these products.
Related Recalls
This action follows several earlier 2025 recalls involving the same contaminant. In August, samples of raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart were pulled after trace amounts of Cs‑137 were detected. In the weeks after that recall, Southwind Foods of California and Beaver Fisheries recalled additional bags, and in September AquaStar Corp recalled nearly 70,000 bags of frozen shrimp sold at Kroger stores nationwide.
What Consumers Should Do
- Check product labels and receipts to confirm brand and package size.
- If you have affected shrimp, do not eat it — dispose of it or return it to the retailer for a refund.
- Contact the retailer for return instructions or consult the FDA website for further guidance and recall details.
- If you have health concerns after possible exposure, contact your healthcare provider or your local health department.
FDA: "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."
Direct Source Seafood LLC did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
