Southwind Foods, LLC, based in Carson, California, has announced a voluntary recall of certain frozen shrimp products due to potential contamination with Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope. The recall affects bagged frozen shrimp distributed between June 24 and September 16, 2025. The products were sent to retailers, distributors, and wholesalers across multiple states including 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.
Cesium-137 is a manmade radioisotope that can be found at background levels in the environment but may be present at higher concentrations in areas affected by environmental contamination. According to Southwind Foods' statement: "The primary health effect of concern following longer term repeated low dose exposure (e.g., 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 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating reports of Cs-137 contamination related to shipping containers and frozen shrimp processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) in Indonesia. So far there have been no reported illnesses linked to the recalled product.
Consumers are advised not to eat the recalled shrimp and should either dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Those with questions can contact Southwind Foods at 1-323-262-8222 during business hours from Monday through Friday.
Further details about this recall are available on the FDA's website at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts.
