WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a development that has sent ripples through the national seafood industry, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded a massive recall involving frozen shrimp products potentially contaminated with Cesium-137, a man-made radioactive isotope. The latest advisory, issued on December 19, 2025, and updated this week, adds over 80,000 bags of shrimp to a list of products spanning nearly twenty states and multiple major grocery chains.
While the FDA maintains that no products currently in U.S. commerce have tested positive for the substance, the recall is being conducted out of an “abundance of caution” due to concerns that the shrimp may have been processed under unsanitary conditions linked to a contaminated Indonesian facility.
The Scope of the Recall: Brands and Stores Affected
The most recent phase of the recall centers on Direct Source Seafood LLC, based in Bellevue, Washington. The company is recalling approximately 83,800 bags of frozen raw shrimp imported from Indonesia. These products were sold under two primary brand names: Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro.
Where the Shrimp Was Sold
The affected shrimp reached the shelves of several high-profile retailers across the United States, including:
- Price Chopper
- Jewel-Osco
- Albertsons
- Safeway
- Lucky Supermarket
Geographic Distribution
The distribution of these potentially contaminated bags is widespread, covering 17 states:
- Northeast: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont.
- Midwest: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana.
- West/Mountain: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming.
Product Identification: UPC and Lot Codes
The FDA has provided specific identification numbers to help consumers determine if the shrimp in their freezers is part of the recall.
| Brand | Store | Bag Size | UPC Code | Best By Dates |
| Market 32 | Price Chopper | 1-lb | 0 41735 01358 3 | April 22–27, 2027 |
| Waterfront Bistro | Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Safeway, Lucky | 2-lb | 021130 13224-9 | April 25–26, 2027 |
The Market 32 products were typically sold after July 11, 2025, while the Waterfront Bistro products were sold on or after June 30, 2025.
Understanding the Risk: What is Cesium-137?
Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a radioactive isotope produced as a byproduct of nuclear fission, commonly found in nuclear reactor waste or as a result of nuclear weapons testing. It is a potent beta and gamma emitter.
How Contamination Happens
According to investigations by the Indonesian government and international health physicists, the contamination appears to have originated from an industrial area in Cikande, Banten province. Reports suggest that a stainless steel smelter near a seafood processing plant inadvertently processed radioactive waste, potentially releasing particles into the air or local water supply.
Health Implications
While the levels of radiation detected in shipments at U.S. ports—approximately 68 Bq/kg—are significantly below the FDA’s “Derived Intervention Level” of 1,200 Bq/kg, health officials warn against any unnecessary exposure.
- Short-Term: At the levels currently discussed, there is no acute risk of radiation poisoning.
- Long-Term: The primary concern is chronic, low-dose exposure. Ingesting Cesium-137 allows the material to distribute into soft tissues, particularly muscle, where it can damage DNA and elevate the lifetime risk of cancer.
Timeline of a Growing Crisis
This December expansion is the latest chapter in a saga that began in the summer of 2025.
- August 2025: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) first detected Cesium-137 in shipping containers arriving at ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah.
- August 18, 2025: Walmart issued a recall for Great Value brand frozen shrimp after it was linked to the Indonesian supplier Pt. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods).
- September–October 2025: The recall expanded to include Kroger, Publix, and brands such as AquaStar, First Street, and Best Yet.
- December 19, 2025: Direct Source Seafood LLC officially initiates the recall for Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brands.
As of December 23, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the consumption of these products. However, the FDA has placed Pt. Bahari Makmur Sejati on a “Hot List” (Import Alert 99-51), effectively banning all seafood from the firm until they can prove their facilities are free of contamination.
Action for Consumers
If you have purchased any of the affected products, health officials urge you to take immediate action:
- Do Not Consume: Throw the shrimp away in a sealed bag or return it to the point of purchase for a full refund.
- Check Your Freezer: Because frozen shrimp has a long shelf life (with “Best By” dates extending into 2027), products bought months ago may still be in storage.
- Consult a Professional: If you believe you have consumed contaminated shrimp and have concerns about your health, contact your healthcare provider.
For further questions, consumers can contact Direct Source Seafood LLC at 425-455-2291 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST).