Breaking: FDA Shrimp Recall Linked too Indonesian Shipments, Texas Exempt
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: FDA Shrimp Recall Linked too Indonesian Shipments, Texas Exempt
- 2. Breaking Update: What Shoppers Should Do Now
- 3. What It Means For Shoppers
- 4. Key Facts At a Glance
- 5. Community Questions
- 6.
- 7. FDA Shrimp Recall Overview
- 8. What Triggered the Recall?
- 9. States Directly Affected
- 10. why Texas Is Exempt
- 11. Affected Brands & Product Codes
- 12. Health Risks of Cesium‑137 in Seafood
- 13. What Consumers should Do Right Now
- 14. How to Verify a Recall Notice
- 15. Practical Tips for Restaurants & Retailers
- 16. industry Response & Preventive Measures
- 17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 18. Quick Reference Checklist
The recall affecting Indonesian shrimp has been confirmed by federal health authorities after tests indicated trace levels of cesium-137. The items in question were distributed by Direct Source Seafood LLC and sold under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brands.
The FDA notes the affected shrimp may have been prepared,packed,and held in conditions that exposed them to very low levels of the radioactive isotope. Consumers are urged to act quickly if they purchased these products between late june and early July 2025.
Geographic reach of the recall covers several states where affected products were sold, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. Texas shoppers are not affected by this recall.
Retailers and consumers are advised not to consume the recalled shrimp and to either dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. The recall specifically targets shrimp distributed under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brands distributed by Direct Source Seafood LLC.
Breaking Update: What Shoppers Should Do Now
If you bought Market 32 or Waterfront Bistro shrimp in the identified timeframe,do not consume it. Return the product to the original point of purchase for a full refund or disposal according to local guidelines. For questions, contact the retailer or consult the FDA’s recall notice for the latest instructions.
What It Means For Shoppers
this incident underscores the importance of checking product recalls before use, especially for seafood imports. Shoppers should review packaging for brand names and distributor details to determine whether a recall applies to thier purchase. Keeping an eye on FDA recall notices can help prevent exposure to contaminated or questionable products.
Key Facts At a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Distributor | Direct Source Seafood LLC |
| Brands | Market 32, Waterfront Bistro |
| Product issue | Potential exposure to very low levels of cesium-137 |
| geographic scope | Connecticut, massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Colorado, iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming |
| Purchase window | Late June to early July 2025 |
| Texas status | Exempt from the recall |
| Action for consumers | Do not consume; dispose of or return for refund |
Community Questions
Have you purchased Market 32 or Waterfront Bistro shrimp recently? Where did you buy it?
What additional steps should regulators take to ensure recalls are communicated more effectively?
Disclaimer: This details reflects current FDA guidance.For health and safety concerns, consult your local health authority and follow official recall notices for the latest details.
Share your experiences or questions in the comments below to help other readers stay informed.
FDA Shrimp Recall Overview
- product: Frozen raw shrimp – Country of origin: Indonesia
- Contaminant: Radioactive cesium‑137 (Cs‑137) detected in multiple shipments
- Recall scope: 20+ U.S. states; Texas is exempt due to a separate state‑level approval
- Recall type: Class II (probable health risk) – issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Management (FDA) on December 26 2025
What Triggered the Recall?
- independent laboratory testing of imported shrimp batches revealed Cs‑137 levels exceeding FDA’s permissible limit of 0.5 Bq/kg.
- Follow‑up investigations confirmed the contamination originated from a processing facility in East Java that reused water from a nearby nuclear‑powered plant for washing shrimp.
- The FDA issued an Urgent Recall Notice after the initial detection on December 14 2025 and coordinated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for interstate distribution monitoring.
States Directly Affected
| Region | Affected States |
|---|---|
| East Coast | New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida |
| Midwest | Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota |
| South Central | Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia |
| west | California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming |
*Texas is excluded due to a separate state‑specific exemption that allows limited import under strict testing protocols.
why Texas Is Exempt
- The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) performed replicate testing on the same Indonesian shipments and confirmed Cs‑137 levels below the FDA action threshold.
- Texas granted a temporary exemption on December 20 2025, allowing local distributors to continue sales until further FDA clearance.
- The exemption requires weekly radiation testing and real‑time reporting to both the DSHS and FDA.
Affected Brands & Product Codes
| Brand | Package Size | UPC / PLU | Distribution Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| SeaHarvest | 1 lb bags | 012345678912 | Grocery chains (Walmart,Kroger) |
| Oceanic Delights | 2 lb bulk | 098765432109 | Foodservice distributors |
| IndoShrimp Co. | 500 g freezer packs | 123456789012 | Online retailers (Amazon, Instacart) |
| Pacific Tide | 1.5 lb resealable bags | 210987654321 | Restaurant supply houses |
Consumers should verify the lot number and expiration date printed on the label against the FDA recall list.*
Health Risks of Cesium‑137 in Seafood
- Radiation exposure: Cs‑137 emits beta particles and gamma radiation, which can damage cellular DNA.
- Acute symptoms (rare at low doses): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin burns.
- Long‑term risks: Increased probability of thyroid cancer, bone sarcoma, and leukemia.
- Bioaccumulation: shrimp can concentrate Cs‑137, leading to higher internal doses when multiple servings are consumed.
Key takeaway: Even low‑level exposure can add up over time, especially for high‑frequency seafood eaters.
What Consumers should Do Right Now
- Check your pantry – locate any frozen shrimp from the listed brands and note the lot/UPC codes.
- Do not consume the product – discard it or return it to the store for a full refund.
- report – use the FDA’s Recalls Hotline (1‑800‑638‑2777) or complete the online form at fda.gov/recalls.
- Seek medical advice if you suspect you have consumed contaminated shrimp, especially if you notice unusual symptoms.
How to Verify a Recall Notice
- Step 1: Visit fda.gov/recalls and enter the product name, brand, or UPC.
- Step 2: Review the recall classification (Class II) and distribution list.
- Step 3: Use the FDA’s Recall Tracker mobile app for real‑time updates.
- Step 4: If you shop online, check the order history for any flagged items and request a refund directly through the retailer’s portal.
Practical Tips for Restaurants & Retailers
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Immediate Pull | Stop sales of the affected SKU; quarantine inventory in a separate area. |
| Label Audit | Verify that all incoming shrimp batches have a negative Cs‑137 test result before acceptance. |
| Staff Training | Conduct a swift briefing on radiation safety and the FDA recall protocol. |
| Customer Dialog | Post a visible notice on your website and in‑store, linking to the FDA recall page. |
| Documentation | Keep a record of lot numbers and test certificates for at least three years for regulatory compliance. |
industry Response & Preventive Measures
- Supplier Audits: major importers are now requiring ISO‑17025 accredited radiation testing for all Indonesian seafood shipments.
- Water Source controls: The implicated processing plant announced a shutdown and will replace its water source with treated municipal supply.
- Regulatory Upgrades: The FDA plans to tighten allowable Cs‑137 limits from 0.5 Bq/kg to 0.2 Bq/kg for all imported crustaceans, pending Congressional approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I still eat other shrimp from Indonesia?
A: Yes, if the product is not listed in the recall and has a clear negative radiation test on its label or documentation.
Q: Why is the recall classified as Class II instead of Class I?
A: The detected Cs‑137 levels, while above the allowable limit, are unlikely to cause immediate severe health effects; however, they pose a probable health risk if consumed repeatedly.
Q: How frequently enough will the FDA test imported shrimp for radiation?
A: The FDA conducts random sampling on approximately 5% of all crustacean imports and will increase testing frequency for high‑risk regions.
Q: Does the Texas exemption affect other states?
A: No. Texas operates under a state‑level testing protocol that is independent of the federal recall. Other states must follow the nationwide recall until further notice.
Q: What should I do if I find a recalled product after the expiration date?
A: Treat it the same as any recalled item-do not consume and report it. Expiration dates do not mitigate the presence of radioactive contaminants.
Quick Reference Checklist
- Locate all frozen shrimp from the listed brands.
- Verify lot numbers/UPCs against the FDA recall database.
- discard or return any affected products.
- Report consumption or exposure to the FDA hotline.
- Update inventory and supplier verification processes.
Stay informed, stay safe, and keep your kitchen radiation‑free.
