AquaStar (USA) Corp, based in Seattle, has announced a recall of about 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp. The recall was issued due to concerns that the shrimp may have been prepared, packed, or held under conditions that could lead to contamination with cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive material.
The recalled shrimp was distributed to several supermarket chains including Baker’s, Gerbes, Jay C, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less Supermarkets, and Pick ‘n Save. These products were sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia between July 24 and August 11 of this year.
The affected product is packaged in clear plastic bags weighing two pounds each. Each bag features a white label with green stripes at the top. The specific codes involved are UPC 011110626196 with lot codes 10662 5139 (Best Before 11/19/2027) and 10662 5140 (Best Before 11/20/2027).
Cesium-137 is an artificial radioactive isotope that can be found in the environment at low levels but may occur at higher concentrations in areas affected by environmental contamination. Long-term exposure to Cs-137 through food or water may increase cancer risk due to DNA damage.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there have been no reported illnesses linked to this product so far. The FDA is investigating reports of Cs-137 contamination related to shipping containers and frozen shrimp processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) of Indonesia. In a statement from August 19: “At this time, no product that has tested positive or alerted for Cesium-137 (Cs-137) has entered the U.S. commerce.”
“FDA is working with distributors and retailers that received product from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati after the date of first detection of Cs-137 by Customs & Border Protection (CBP), but from shipments that did not alert for Cs-137, to recommend that firms conduct a recall. In conjunction with other information, FDA determined that product from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati violates the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act in that it appears to have been prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with Cs-137 and may pose a safety concern.”
Consumers who purchased these shrimp are advised not to eat them and should dispose of them or return them for a refund. For questions regarding the recall consumers can contact AquaStar at 1-800-331-3440 during business hours.
This recall was made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
