Shrimp Radioactive Cesium-137 Injury Lawsuit Lawyers

FDA Expands Nationwide Shrimp Recall Over Radioactive Cesium-137 Contamination

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its warning about shrimp products contaminated with cesium-137, a radioactive substance that poses significant long-term health risks. The latest recall, announced in September 2025, involves approximately 85,000 bags of raw and cooked shrimp sold under the Kroger and AquaStar brands. The affected products were distributed across 31 states and sold at major national retailers, including Food 4 Less, Ralphs, Smith’s, Fry’s, King Soopers, and more.

This is not the first radioactive shrimp contamination incident. In August 2025, the FDA issued a similar recall for Walmart’s Great Value shrimp products. Both incidents have been traced to the same Indonesian seafood processor, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods).

Consumers who purchased shrimp during the June–September 2025 period may unknowingly possess contaminated food in their freezers. If consumed, radioactive contamination can result in internal exposure to harmful radiation, increasing the risk of cancer and other serious health conditions.

What Is Cesium-137 and Why Is It Dangerous?

Cesium-137 is a byproduct of nuclear fission, commonly used in industrial and medical applications like radiation therapy devices and gauges. While useful in controlled settings, its presence in food is extremely hazardous. According to the CDC:

• External exposure can cause burns, acute radiation sickness, or even death.
• Internal exposure, especially through ingestion, allows the isotope to deposit in soft tissues and muscles, exposing the body to beta particles and gamma radiation.
• Repeated or high-level exposure may damage DNA, potentially leading to cancer, organ damage, or reproductive harm.

The current recall suggests shrimp were contaminated prior to arrival at U.S. ports. The contamination was detected during routine FDA port inspections in Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, and Savannah, raising concerns about international food safety oversight and gaps in radiation detection for imported food.

Recalled Shrimp Products and States Affected

The shrimp in question was sold between June 12 and September 17, 2025, in 31 states. Retailers included Kroger, Ralphs, Smith’s, Food 4 Less, Fry’s, and others. The recall covers multiple packaging types and sizes.

Key Recalled Products:

Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp (2 lb):

• Clear bag with blue band, red/yellow accents
• UPC: 20011110643906
• Expiration Dates: 03/26/2027 through 04/24/2027

Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp (2 lb):

• Clear bag with white label and green stripes
• UPC: 011110626196
• Expiration Dates: 10/22/2027 and 10/23/2027

AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers (1.25 lb):

• Blue/black bag with printed skewer pictures
• UPC: 731149390010
• Expiration Dates: 11/07/2027 through 11/15/2027

These products were shipped to major grocery chains in states like California, Texas, Florida, New York, Georgia, Ohio, and others, covering a wide geographical range.

Source of the Contamination

Both the September and August 2025 recalls trace back to the same Indonesian seafood processor, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati. This facility is now under intensified investigation by the FDA. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has also tightened inspection protocols for all imports from BMS Foods.

The presence of cesium-137 in seafood may result from poor environmental controls, improper storage near radioactive materials, or exposure to contaminated water.

This repeat contamination raises broader concerns:

• Are there other contaminated shipments that went undetected?
• How effective are current international food safety monitoring systems?
• What measures are being taken to prevent future radioactive imports?

The FDA is continuing to review other shipments from the facility and may expand the recall if additional contamination is identified.

Health Risks and What Consumers Need to Know

Radioactive food contamination is not like bacterial foodborne illness. The danger is in the long-term radiation exposure—not immediate symptoms.

Short-Term Risks (Rare):

• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Radiation burns (in extremely high doses)

Long-Term Risks:

• Increased cancer risk, especially for thyroid, bone, and soft tissue cancers
• Organ damage
• Birth defects or reproductive system harm
• Genetic damage leading to inherited conditions

Consumers who have already consumed recalled shrimp are not likely to experience symptoms right away. The real risk lies in accumulated exposure over time if radioactive food is consumed repeatedly.

What to Do If You Purchased Recalled Shrimp

If you purchased shrimp from any of the listed brands or stores between June and September 2025, you should:

• Check the packaging for UPC codes and expiration dates listed in the recall.
• Discard contaminated products immediately—do not consume or donate.
• Clean any surfaces where the shrimp was stored or prepared.
• Contact your physician if you’re concerned about potential exposure.
• Save receipts or packaging if you wish to file a legal claim.

Consumers with questions may also call the AquaStar recall hotline at 1-800-331-3440, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. PST.

Legal Rights of Consumers Affected by Radioactive Shrimp

U.S. consumers have a right to expect that imported food products are safe. When radioactive contamination occurs, legal action may be the only path to accountability and compensation.

Potential Legal Claims Include:

• Product Liability: Against the seafood processor and U.S. distributors
• Negligence: For failure to screen or test food before distribution
• Failure to Warn: If retailers sold contaminated shrimp after the recall

Victims may be eligible for damages related to:

• Future medical screenings or cancer monitoring
• Emotional distress or anxiety
• Loss of appetite or disrupted lifestyle
• Financial losses due to the disposal of large frozen food stocks

Families with vulnerable individuals (pregnant women, children, cancer patients) may be at higher risk and could face greater legal damages.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Food contamination lawsuits involving radioactive substances are complex. Victims need attorneys who understand how to build cases around:

• FDA recall documentation
• Supply chain tracing
• Medical evaluation of radiation exposure risks
• Long-term epidemiological studies

A national law firm like Parker Waichman LLP can assist families across all affected states and help establish liability even when the contamination occurred overseas.

Radioactive Shrimp Recall Lawsuit FAQs

1. What is cesium-137, and how did it end up in shrimp?  Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope produced during nuclear fission. The contaminated shrimp originated from an Indonesian processing facility currently under FDA investigation. The exact source of contamination is unknown but may involve environmental exposure or industrial error.
2. What health risks are linked to eating contaminated shrimp?  Ingesting cesium-137 increases the risk of cancer and organ damage. It can accumulate in soft tissues, exposing the body to gamma radiation. The effects are long-term and may not appear immediately after consumption.
3. Have any illnesses been reported?  As of now, the FDA has not reported any confirmed illnesses. However, cesium-related illness develops slowly and may go undetected for years. Long-term medical monitoring may be necessary.
4. Can I sue if I ate contaminated shrimp but feel fine?  You may still be eligible for compensation related to emotional distress, medical testing, or future risk of illness. Legal claims do not require immediate illness, especially in radiation exposure cases.
5. What documentation do I need to file a claim?  Keep packaging, receipts, or purchase logs if available. If not, proof of payment from a bank or loyalty card statements may help. Medical records are essential if symptoms develop.
6. What compensation is available?  Victims may be entitled to reimbursement for medical expenses, future health monitoring, anxiety or distress, and other damages based on individual risk level and exposure.
7. How soon should I contact a lawyer?  Prompt legal consultation is important to preserve your rights and ensure evidence is preserved. Each state has a different statute of limitations.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or your family purchased or consumed radioactive shrimp sold by Kroger, AquaStar, or any affected brand, you may be eligible for compensation. The national product liability attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP are reviewing claims related to this contamination and can help protect your legal rights.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) now for a free consultation. Our team will investigate your exposure, evaluate your legal options, and help you take the next steps. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.