The Food and Drug Administration announced another recall for shrimp due to possible radioactive contamination.
In August, the FDA announced four recalls (one of which was updated on Friday, Aug. 29, to include best-by dates) for frozen shrimp due to potential radionuclide (Cesium-137) contamination. Cesium-137, also known as Cs-137, is a man-made radioactive isotope that can lead to an elevated risk of cancer if ingested, the FDA states.
Various brands of frozen shrimp sold throughout the country voluntarily issued the recalls. As of Friday, Sept. 4, no illnesses had been reported in conjunction with the recalls.
Here's what to know about the recalls, including the specific products, where the shrimp products were sold, and what to do if you purchased the shrimp:
In which states have recalled shrimp been sold?
According to the FDA, the recalled shrimp products were sold in the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
What products were recalled?
According to the FDA, the following products are recalled:
- Frozen Raw Shrimp 31/40 Sand Bar 2-pound Bag
- Item Number- 08890
- UPC- 011110641182
- Lot Number- 087305
- Frozen Cooked Shrimp 31/40 Best Yet 1-pound Bag
- Item Number- 06350
- UPC- 042187002736
- Lot Number- 095944
- Frozen Cooked Shrimp 31/40 Best Yet 1-pound Bag
- Item Number- 06350
- UPC- 042187002736
- Lot Number- 111154
- Frozen Cooked Shrimp 31/50 Best Yet 1-pound Bag
- Item Number- 06062
- UPC- 042187002743
- Lot Number- 095946
- Frozen Large Cooked Shrimp 31/40 Arctic Shores 1-pound Bag
- Item Number- 08224
- UPC-041130812392
- Lot Number- 109562
- Frozen Small Cooked Shrimp 61/70 Arctic Shores 1-pound Bag
- Item Number- 08127
- UPC- 041130810497
- Lot Number- 109540
- Frozen Small Cooked Shrimp 91/120 White Arctic Shores 12-ounce Bag
- Item Number- 08128
- UPC- 041130810411
- Lot Number- 109541
- Frozen Cooked Salad Shrimp 150-200 Arctic Shores 6-ounce Bag
- Item Number- 08129
- UPC- 041130811685
- Lot Number- 109542
- Frozen Raw Shrimp 16/20 Great American 2-pound Bag
- Item Number- 06021
- UPC- 829944010612
- Lot Number- 125143
- Frozen Raw Shrimp 16/20 First Street 2-pound Bag
- Item Number- 06171
- UPC- 041512179471
- Lot Number- 130632
- Frozen Raw Shrimp 71/90 Great American 2-pound Bag
- Item Number- 06102
- UPC- 829944010698
- Lot Number- 128267
- Frozen Cooked Shrimp Meat Great American 1-pound Bag
- Item Number- 08523
- UPC- 829944092540
- Lot Number- 134010
- Frozen Cooked Shrimp 41/60 Great American 2-pound Bag
- Item Number- 06812
- UPC- 829944012173
- Lot Number- 128275
Can't see the chart in your browser? Visit infogram.com/shrimp-recalls-1h9j6q7wzdvdv4g.
What to do if you have recalled shrimp
Consumers who have purchased the recalled shrimp should not consume them. The FDA suggests disposing of the product or returning it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions should contact the necessary companies that voluntarily issued the recalls:
- Southwind Foods (Sand Bar/Arctic Shores/Best Yet/Great American/First Street): Call 1-323-262-8222 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.
- AquaStar (Kroger): Call 1-800-331-3440 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.
- Beaver Street Fisheries: Call 1-904-354-8533 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
What is Cesium-137 and why is it regulated?
Cs-137 is a radioisotope of cesium, a chemical element that emits radiation as it breaks down. It is man-made and is produced by nuclear fission, according to the FDA. In the United States, it is used in medical devices and measurement gauges.
Because Cs-137 is widespread, trace amounts can be found in the environment, including soil, food, and air, according to the FDA. Agencies, including the FDA and U.S. Customs & Border Protection, test, monitor, and regulate the presence of the substance due to the risks associated with long-term exposure.
Low-level radiation exposure over time can lead to serious health complications, the FDA warned. Exposure to Cs-137 alone can cause burns, acute radiation sickness, cancer, and death. As a result, the governing agencies restrict potential exposure to minimize the likelihood of these long-term impacts.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to add a new video.
Contributing: Sara Chernikoff, USA TODAY
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: More potentially radioactive frozen shrimp recalled. See list.
Reporting by Greta Cross, Julia Gomez and Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect