AquaStar (USA) Corp has announced a recall of about 26,460 packages of its Cocktail Shrimp 6oz product. The shrimp, imported from Indonesia, may have been exposed to unsanitary conditions that could have led to contamination with cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive substance.
According to the company, Cs-137 is an artificial isotope that can be found at low levels in the environment but may reach higher concentrations in food or water produced in contaminated areas. Repeated exposure to Cs-137 through consumption over time can increase cancer risk due to DNA damage.
The recalled shrimp was sold only at Walmart stores across several states, including Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin between July 31 and August 16 of this year. The affected product comes in a clear plastic tray with a red and white label. It carries UPC code 19434612191 and lot codes 10662 5106; 10662 5107; 10662 5124; and 10662 5125.
No illnesses related to the product have been reported so far.
AquaStar stated that the recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Consumers are advised not to eat the shrimp but instead dispose of it or return it for a full refund. Questions can be directed to AquaStar’s customer service line at 1-800-331-3440 during regular business hours.
