CORTLAND, N.Y. — In a development that has sent ripples through holiday dinner planning across the Northeast, Price Chopper and Market 32 supermarkets have issued an immediate voluntary recall for a specific variety of their store-brand frozen shrimp. The recall, announced on December 24, 2025, stems from a chilling discovery: the potential exposure of the seafood to Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a man-made radioactive isotope, prior to its arrival at American distribution centers.
The grocery chains, operated by Northeast Shared Services, emphasized that the move is being made out of an “abundance of caution.” While the news of radioactive contamination is inherently alarming, officials stressed that as of Tuesday, no products in the marketplace have tested positive for the isotope, and there have been zero reported illnesses linked to the consumption of the shrimp.
Identifying the Recalled Product
The recall specifically targets Market 32 by Price Chopper Farm Raised Raw Shrimp (26-30 count, easy peel). Consumers are urged to check their freezers for 1-lb bags matching the following criteria:
- Brand: Market 32
- UPC Code: 0 41735 01358 3
- Best By Dates: April 22, 2027; April 23, 2027; April 24, 2027; April 26, 2027; or April 27, 2027.
- Sales Window: Products sold on or after July 11, 2025.
The affected shrimp were distributed to stores across New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
The Science of the Scare: What is Cesium-137?
The inclusion of Cesium-137 in a food recall is a rare and serious occurrence. Cs-137 is a radioactive isotope produced by nuclear fission, typically found as a byproduct in nuclear reactors or following nuclear accidents. It is also used in controlled industrial and medical settings, such as radiation therapy and gauges.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cesium-137 behaves similarly to potassium once inside the body, meaning it can be distributed throughout soft tissues, particularly muscle tissue.
“The primary health effect of concern following longer-term, repeated low-dose exposure… is an elevated risk of cancer, resulting from damage to DNA within living cells of the body.” — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Price Chopper representatives noted that any health risks would likely require “repeated, long-term ingestion” of the contaminated product, rather than a single meal. However, the presence of any man-made radioisotope in the food supply triggers immediate federal and retail intervention.
How the Contamination Occurred
The source of the problem appears to be an Indonesian manufacturer, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods). The FDA is currently investigating reports that the shrimp may have been prepared or held under conditions exposed to the isotope. Notably, this is not an isolated incident; earlier in 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection flagged similar concerns regarding shipping containers from the same supplier, leading to related recalls at other major retailers like Walmart and Albertsons.
High-Tech Notification: The Broadnet Program
Price Chopper is utilizing its Broadnet recall notification program to reach affected households directly. By cross-referencing purchase data from its AdvantEdge loyalty cards, the company has been sending automated alerts to customers who bought the specific shrimp using their registered phone numbers.
For those who do not use a loyalty card or have not been contacted, the company advises a manual check of the UPC code.
Local Context and Other News
The recall comes at a busy time for the Cortland area. The community is still reeling from a series of local incidents reported on December 23, including:
- I-81 Shutdown: Two tractor-trailers collided on I-81 South Tuesday morning, forcing a total highway shutdown during peak holiday travel hours.
- Route 11 Arrest: A Syracuse man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in Homer.
- Community Spirit: In a brighter note, Cortland Reuse successfully distributed over 100 bags of toys to local children just in time for the holidays.
What Consumers Should Do
If you find the recalled shrimp in your freezer, do not eat it. Even if the shrimp has been cooked, the radioactive properties of Cs-137 are not neutralized by heat.
Customers can return the affected product to any Price Chopper or Market 32 location for a full refund. Those with further questions are encouraged to contact:
- Direct Source Seafood, LLC: 425-455-2291
- Price Chopper/Market 32 Customer Service: 800-666-7667
- Email: consumerresponse@pricechopper.com