Radioactive Shrimp Scare Hits US Markets: What You Need to Know
Seafood made headlines this week, but not for a good reason. An import alert from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised alarm over shrimp products imported from Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS), a major exporter in Indonesia, due to potential radiation contamination.
The Cadmium Controversy: Understanding Cesium-137
The FDA’s alert led to a recommendation that Walmart recall its Great Value Brand shrimp. But what exactly is Cesium-137 (Cs-137)? Cs-137 is a dangerous radioisotope often resulting from nuclear accidents, including Chernobyl and Fukushima. Both of these catastrophic events are cited as potential sources of contamination. Questions arise: How did this shrimp get contaminated?
A Deeper Dive into the Issue
Catch the Current hosts Amanda Buckle and Lorin Castiglione analyzed the situation with insights from Cliff White, editorial director at Undercurrent News, and UCN price analyst Gary Morrison. The consensus: this radioactive shrimp fiasco could significantly impact the seafood market.
Initial Findings
The import alert (99-51), published on August 14, details that products appearing to be contaminated with Cs-137 will face detention without physical examination. Elevated levels of Cs-137 have historically been linked to locations affected by major nuclear incidents.
Impact on the Seafood Market
Experts estimate that the BMS ban will hit retail hard, as this company is the largest supplier of easy-peel shrimp in the US. Following the FDA’s alert, retail giants like Walmart were prompted to recall specific shrimp products that had been imported from BMS.
Interview Insights
Gary Morrison (GM): “Indonesia is the third-largest source of shrimp imports into the United States. They accounted for nearly 300 million pounds valued at $1.1 billion in 2024. The announcement could severely impact retailers reliant on easy-peel shrimp.”
The Tariff Context
In addition to the radioactive shrimp issue, the ongoing US trade war and tariff updates were discussed.
Cliff White (CW): “Indonesia’s tariffs are about average at 19%, slightly lower than other Asian countries. However, if they begin to lose market share to countries with lower tariffs, the impact could be profound.”
Investigative Efforts Underway
The FDA is currently conducting an investigation into the Cs-137 contamination, focusing on shipping containers at four US ports: Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami. BMS claims that mismanaged container cleaning procedures may be to blame. Multiple product samples are being tested, and while only one sample of breaded shrimp showed contamination, the FDA is taking no chances.
Walmart’s Recall
Notably, the FDA urged Walmart to recall certain lots of frozen raw shrimp, signaling the seriousness of the situation. The recall includes specific products sold in certain states. For consumers, this means heightened vigilance when purchasing shrimp products.
The Bigger Picture
As the shrimp market grapples with these challenges, the show also touched on developments in the larger seafood industry, including news from the Aqua Nor 2025 event in Trondheim, Norway, and new menu items featuring seafood from Cracker Barrel.
Industry Developments
Neil Ramsden, EMEA editor at Undercurrent News, highlighted new Norwegian regulations aimed at increasing monitoring in salmon farming, emphasizing the global shift toward more sustainable aquaculture practices.
Consumer Choices
From the implications of tariffs to the integration of seafood into breakfast menus (including a revived favorite, catfish), this week highlighted the intersection of food safety, industry policy, and consumer choices in the seafood market.
For a comprehensive analysis of these issues, tune in to Catch the Current, available on major podcast platforms.
Conclusion
As investigations progress and market dynamics shift, consumers and retailers alike must stay informed. The fallout from the radioactive shrimp alert could lead to long-term changes in sourcing and trade for the seafood industry.
