83,000 Bags of Frozen Shrimp Recalled for Potential Radioactive Contamination
More than 83,000 bags of frozen raw shrimp have been recalled after potentially being exposed to cesium-137.
Audrey Simons
By
Audrey Simons
Batches of shrimp sold in more than a dozen states are the latest in a series of recalls for potential radioactive contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Dec. 19.
The Washington-based company Direct Source Seafood LLC recalled more than 83,000 bags of frozen raw shrimp manufactured in Indonesia over concerns that the products may have been "prepared, packed, or held under conditions" that exposed them to low levels of cesium-137, according to the notice.
Cesium-137, or Cs-137, is the most common radioactive form of the chemical element cesium, created by the process of nuclear fission.
According to the FDA, traces of the radioisotope are widespread in the environment and can reach higher levels in water or food that have been grown, raised, or produced in areas affected by contamination.
"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 agency said.
The recalled Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brand shrimp products were sold in one- and two-pounds bags, respectively.
The one-pound bags were sold at select Price Chopper locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont after July 11.
The recalled two-pound bags were sold at Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Safeway, and Lucky Supermarkets retailers in Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming on or after June 30.
The FDA advises consumers to avoid eating the affected shrimp and to dispose of it or return it for a full refund.
https://www.ntd.com/83000-bags-of-frozen-shrimp-recalled-for-potential-radioactive-contamination_1115342.html