The FDA has expanded its shrimp recall to include two Aquastar Corp. products due to possible cesium-137 contamination: approximately 26,460 packs of cocktail shrimp and 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado cooked medium shrimp.
The recalled cocktail shrimp was sold at Walmart in 27 states from July 31 to Aug. 16. The affected Kroger Mercado shrimp, sold in 17 states, also reached other chains, including Baker’s, Gerbes, Jay C, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less, and Pick ’n Save, the FDA said.
The FDA stated that the recalled cocktail shrimp were packaged in clear trays with red-and-white labels, bearing the following UPC 19434612191 and lot codes: 10662, 5106, 5107, 5124, and 5125. The Kroger Mercado shrimp was sold in clear bags with green-striped labels, UPC 011110626196, with lot code 10662 5139 (Best Before 11/19/27) and 10662 5140 (Best Before 11/20/27). Consumers should discard the products or return them for a refund.
The FDA last week warned against selling or eating Walmart shrimp after tests found cesium-137 contamination in shipments processed in Indonesia. The tainted products, flagged by U.S. Customs, were discovered at ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah. The FDA has since placed PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) is on the “red list,” barring its products from sale in the U.S., and advises against consuming Great Value raw frozen shrimp with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1.
No illnesses have been reported; however, the FDA warns that the recalled shrimp may pose health risks. Even low doses of cesium-137 can increase cancer risk, as the radioactive material can contaminate food and water in affected environments.
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