American consumers are facing an expanded recall of frozen shrimp due to potential contamination with the radioactive isotope cesium-137 (Cs-137). Direct Source Seafood LLC, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, has recalled approximately 83,800 bags of frozen raw shrimp sold under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brands. This shrimp, imported from Indonesia, has raised concerns following earlier reports of contamination involving Great Value frozen shrimp in August.
The current recall affects products distributed across 17 states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. Although no illnesses linked to Cs-137 exposure have been reported, health experts warn of potential long-term effects, including an increased risk of cancer.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall includes Market 32 shrimp packaged in one-pound bags, identifiable by the UPC code 0 4173 01358 3. The best buy dates for these products are April 22, 23, 24, 26, and 27 of 2027, and they were sold at Price Chopper stores in the aforementioned states. The recall specifically pertains to shrimp sold after July 11, 2025.
The Waterfront Bistro brand shrimp was sold in two-pound bags with the UPC code 021130 13224-9. These products have best buy dates of April 25 or April 26, 2027, and were available at various retailers, including Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Safeway, and Lucky Supermarket. The recall for this brand includes shrimp sold on or after June 30, 2025.
The FDA is actively investigating reports of Cs-137 contamination in shipping containers and frozen products manufactured in Indonesia by BMS Foods. In a statement issued in October, the FDA confirmed, “At this time, no product that has tested positive or alerted for Cesium-137 (Cs-137) has entered the U.S. marketplace.”
Cs-137 is a man-made radioisotope, commonly found in the environment, particularly in water. Continuous exposure through contaminated food or water could lead to serious health issues, including DNA damage in cells. Although no illnesses have been reported, consumers are advised to avoid consuming the recalled shrimp.
Individuals who have purchased these products are encouraged to dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. For further inquiries, consumers can contact Direct Source Seafood LLC at 425-455-2291, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.
As the situation develops, consumers are urged to stay informed about further recalls, particularly as more shrimp products have been implicated in similar concerns in recent months.
