Introduction: Another Shrimp Recall Raises Alarms
On August 22, 2025, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public advisory warning consumers not to eat, sell, or serve certain imported frozen shrimp linked to Indonesian supplier PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods). The warning follows the detection of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination — a man-made radioactive material — in shrimp shipments.
This recall, which impacts popular brands including Great Value frozen shrimp sold at Walmart, highlights the growing risks tied to imported shrimp and raises serious questions about seafood safety in America.
The Recall: Brands and States Impacted
The FDA recall involves multiple distributors and brands, including:
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Frozen raw and cooked shrimp sold between July 17 – August 8, 2025
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Distributed to retailers, wholesalers, and distributors in AL, AZ, CA, MA, MN, PA, UT, VA, WA
Southwind Foods, LLC (August 21, 2025 recall)
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Great Value Frozen Raw Shrimp EZ-Peel & Deveined Tail-On 21–25 per lb.
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Sold at Walmart stores in AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, MS, OH, OK, PA, TX, WV
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Available for purchase between July 28 – August 7, 2025
Beaver Street Fisheries, LLC (August 22, 2025 recall)
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Consumers are advised to check lot codes and immediately discard any affected products.
Why the Recall Matters: Cesium-137 Contamination
The FDA detected Cs-137 in a shipment of frozen shrimp from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati. While the contaminated batch never entered U.S. commerce, the detection triggered broad recalls and import restrictions.
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What is Cs-137?
A radioactive isotope created in nuclear reactions. It has been linked to long-term health risks, including DNA damage and increased cancer risk when consumed repeatedly over time.
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Health Risk Levels
The FDA detected 68 Bq/kg of Cs-137, well below the federal intervention limit of 1200 Bq/kg. However, long-term exposure to even low levels of radiation is considered unsafe for human health.
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Regulatory Action
PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati has been placed on an FDA import alert for chemical contamination, preventing any shrimp shipments from the company from entering the U.S. until the violations are resolved.
The Bigger Problem: Imported Shrimp and Food Safety
This latest recall underscores a larger issue: 94% of shrimp consumed in the U.S. is imported, often from countries with limited oversight and poor labor and environmental practices.
Common problems include:
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Chemical Contamination: Banned antibiotics, pesticides, and radionuclides.
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Labor Exploitation: Reports of forced labor and unsafe working conditions in peeling sheds.
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Traceability Gaps: Less than 0.1% of imported shrimp is tested by FDA before hitting grocery shelves.
For consumers, this means the shrimp on your plate is often cheaper, but riskier.
Certified Traceable Shrimp™: The Safer Alternative
At Certified Traceable Shrimp™, we believe America deserves better. Our boat-to-box system ensures every shrimp can be traced back to a registered U.S. boat with verified catch logs, secure QR codes, and strict compliance standards.
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For Families: Confidence that your shrimp is safe, clean, and traceable.
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For Restaurants: A competitive edge by serving seafood with integrity.
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For Shrimpers: Fair recognition and better market value for doing things right.
This recall is just the latest example of why traceability is no longer optional — it’s essential.
What Consumers Should Do Now
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Check Your Freezer: Look for recalled brands like Great Value, Best Yet, Arctic Shores, Great American, and others.
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Discard Unsafe Products: Do not eat, cook, or serve affected shrimp.
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Choose Traceable Seafood: Look for certifications like Certified Traceable Shrimp™ that provide transparency from ocean to plate.
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Stay Informed: Follow FDA food safety alerts and advisories to protect your family.
Conclusion: Shrimp Safety Is About Trust
The FDA’s recall of imported shrimp contaminated with Cesium-137 should be a wake-up call for consumers and policymakers alike. America’s most popular seafood is also its most vulnerable — and without stronger traceability, recalls like this will continue to threaten public health.
Certified Traceable Shrimp™ offers a solution built on trust, transparency, and technology — because you deserve to know exactly where your food comes from.