Radioactive shrimp recall hits 83K bags sold at major grocers, here’s exactly which products to check your freezer for immediately

Radioactive shrimp recall affects more than 83,000 bags sold across major U.S. grocery chains. The FDA announced the recall on December 19, 2025, citing potential contamination with cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. Here’s everything you need to know about affected products, where they were sold, and what to do if you purchased them.

Which Shrimp Products Are Being Recalled Nationwide

Direct Source Seafood LLC recalled the shrimp because the products may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions where they could be exposed to cesium-137. According to the FDA, the shrimp was imported from Indonesia and manufactured by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, a major seafood producer.

Two specific products were recalled. Market 32 brand shrimp was sold at Price Chopper stores in six states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. Waterfront Bistro brand shrimp was distributed to Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Safeway, and Lucky Supermarket locations in ten states: Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.

How to Identify Affected Products in Your Freezer

Store	Brand Name	Size	UPC Code	Best By Date
Price Chopper	Market 32	1-lb bags	0 41735 01358 3	04/22/27-04/27/27
Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Safeway, Lucky	Waterfront Bistro	2-lb bags	021130 13224-9	APR 25-26, 2027

The Market 32 products were sold after July 11, 2025, while Waterfront Bistro items reached stores on or after June 30, 2025. Check your freezer for these specific UPC codes and best-by dates to determine if you purchased affected shrimp.

What Is Cesium-137 and Why Is It Dangerous

Cesium-137 is a man-made radioactive isotope that is not naturally occurring in food. According to the FDA, this contaminant can cause long-term health risks through repeated exposure over time. The organization notes that while trace amounts are widespread in the environment, they became concentrated in the seized shrimp shipments.

The primary health concern is elevated cancer risk from chronic exposure. The FDA warns that repeated, low-dose exposure to cesium-137 through consumption of contaminated food increases the likelihood of damage to DNA within living cells. However, experts stress that a single exposure would not present an acute health hazard to consumers. The contamination detected in the shrimp measured 68 becquerels per kilogram, which is 17 times lower than the FDA’s mandatory intervention level of 1,200 becquerels per kilogram.

“The primary health effect of concern following longer term, repeated low dose exposure 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.”

— U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Official Recall Notice

What Should Consumers Do With Recalled Shrimp Products

If you purchased affected shrimp, do not consume the product and take immediate action. The FDA recommends that consumers either dispose of the contaminated shrimp safely or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Most major grocery chains honor recalls and process refunds without requiring a receipt if you have the product package.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Direct Source Seafood LLC directly at (425) 455-2291, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST. The company emphasized that this recall was made with full knowledge and cooperation of the FDA.

Is Shrimp From Other Sources Safe to Eat Right Now

Consumers don’t need to panic about all shrimp purchases. This recall is limited to specific brands and lot numbers imported from a single Indonesian facility. The FDA actively monitors shrimp imports at four major U.S. ports for cesium-137 contamination. Previously, the shipping containers themselves tested positive for the isotope before the products even entered the American marketplace.

The FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection detected the radioactive contamination as containers arrived at ports starting in June 2025. This early detection system prevented most contaminated shrimp from reaching supermarket shelves. If your shrimp was not purchased from the specific brands and stores listed above, it remains safe to consume.

Sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Official recall announcement for Direct Source Seafood LLC
• PIX11 News – Coverage of frozen shrimp recall in northeastern states
• MassLive.com – Detailed breakdown of affected products and store locations