The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded its warning regarding radioactive shrimp, leading to the recall of additional brands due to potential contamination. This week, the FDA announced the recall of nearly 18,000 bags of frozen Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp and 26,460 packages of cocktail shrimp from Seattle-based AquaStar Corp. Both products may be contaminated with the radioactive isotope Cesium-137 (Cs-137).

Previously, alerts had already been issued for Walmart’s Great Value shrimp and frozen shrimp from California-based Southwind Foods. The FDA stated that all affected brands were processed by the Indonesian supplier PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, which operates under the name BMS Foods. The company has been placed under a full import alert, preventing its products from entering the U.S. until it resolves the contamination issues.

The FDA indicated that the shrimp involved in the recalls may have been prepared, packed, or stored in unsanitary conditions, leading to contamination with Cs-137. Currently, no products have tested positive for Cs-137 in the U.S. marketplace, and no illnesses have been reported.

Cesium-137 is a soft, silvery-white metal that can become liquid at room temperature. It can bond with chlorides to form a crystalline powder. Long-term exposure to low doses of Cs-137 through food or water can damage DNA in living cells and increase cancer risk. High levels of external exposure can lead to burns, acute radiation sickness, or even death.

The recalled Kroger shrimp was sold between July 24 and August 11 in 17 states, including Illinois and Indiana. Stores affected include Baker’s, Gerbes, Jay C, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less Supermarkets, and Pick ‘n Save. The shrimp is packaged in clear plastic bags with a white label and green stripes. The affected product codes are: - UPC 011110626196, Lot code 10662 5139, Best Before 11/19/2027 - UPC 011110626196, Lot code 10662 5140, Best Before 11/20/2027

The recalled cocktail shrimp was sold exclusively at Walmart stores in 27 states between July 31 and August 16. This product was sold in refrigerated conditions and has a 12-day shelf life with various Best if Use By dates. The affected cocktail shrimp is packaged in a clear plastic tray with a red and white label, and the product codes include UPC 19434612191 and Lot Codes 10662 5106, 10662 5107, 10662 5124, and 10662 5125.

The FDA has advised consumers who purchased the affected shrimp not to consume them and to dispose of the products immediately.