In late August 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a formal warning urging consumers not to eat, sell, or serve certain frozen shrimp products imported from Indonesia.
The advisory stemmed from the detection of Cesium‑137 (Cs‑137), a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers and at least one sample of shrimp processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, better known as BMS Foods.
Although no immediate health hazards were identified, authorities emphasized that prolonged exposure to even low levels of Cs‑137 can damage DNA and potentially raise cancer risk over time.
How It Was Discovered
The discovery began at U.S. ports, Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami, where Customs and Border Protection flagged the presence of Cs‑137 in shipping containers aboard imported shrimp shipments.
Subsequent FDA laboratory testing confirmed trace Cs‑137 in a sample of breaded shrimp from BMS Foods.
While contaminated containers were denied entry, the FDA cautioned that other products from the same facility, though not flagged at the time, might still carry risk.
This is because they appeared to have been “prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions” that could allow contamination.
The Recall
In response, Walmart initiated a recall of its Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp sold in 13 U.S. states, spanning from the South to the Northeast.
The FDA also placed BMS Foods on an import alert, effectively halting further seafood imports from the company until safety concerns are resolved.
While the levels of Cs‑137 detected were below the FDA’s intervention threshold, set at 1,200 Bq/kg, the agency called for precautionary action to mitigate any cumulative exposure risk.
Potential Health Risks
Experts have described the health risk as low in the short term, especially given that contamination levels did not reach those associated with acute radiation damage.
That said, long-term exposure, even at low doses, can increase the likelihood of DNA damage and thus elevate cancer risk, particularly when combined with background environmental radiation or medical imaging.
Indonesia’s Response
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia, along with the Environment Ministry, launched an investigation into potential sources of Cs‑137 and immediately suspended production and exports from the BMS facility in Serang, Banten.
Environmental audits were ordered, staff were vacated from the site, and a full safety assessment was initiated to determine if and where contamination occurred.
Consumer Guidance and Retailer Actions
The FDA and public officials unequivocally advised consumers who purchased the Great Value shrimp products to dispose of them and not consume them under any circumstances, regardless of whether the packaging looks intact.
Walmart offered full refunds and removed the affected products from its shelves as a precautionary measure.
Broader Implications
This incident underscores increasing concerns about the safety of imported seafood in an era of complex global supply chains. The fact that 80% or more of shrimp consumed in the U.S. is imported has raised questions about regulation, oversight, and transparency in food sourcing.
The FDA’s actions, blocking contaminated shipments, issuing import alerts, and working with international partners, highlight the importance of rigorous checks to maintain public trust and protect consumer health.
As the FDA continues its investigation, both U.S. and Indonesian authorities are striving to trace the contamination’s origin and prevent similar risks moving forward.
Consumers are left to weigh reminders of the delicate balance between global trading convenience and the uncompromising need for food safety.
