Calls for Halt on Shrimp Imports Amid Radioactive Concerns

In light of ongoing recalls linked to radioactive shrimp, Louisiana Republican Representative Clay Higgins has formally requested President Donald Trump to temporarily suspend all shrimp imports.

Urgent Appeal to the President

In a letter addressed to Trump on Wednesday, October 22, Higgins stated, “Sir, I have long been a MAGA and America First Republican.” He added that he is a vigorous supporter of the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative and expressed deep concern about the potential health risks posed by contaminated shrimp imports.

Health Risks from Contaminated Shrimp

Reports have surfaced detailing the presence of radioactive shrimp imported from Indonesia, specifically contaminated with Cesium-137 (Cs-137). This issue came to light in August when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified the affected supplier, Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS), and placed it on a red list. Subsequently, the FDA announced Import Alert 99-52 at the start of October, which mandates that shrimp and spices from certain Indonesian regions must now be certified as free of Cs-137 contamination.

Current Regulations and Future Steps

Shrimp containers currently en route to the United States will be allowed entry due to a deal made between the Indonesian government and the FDA, as reported by Undercurrent News. However, starting October 31, new certification requirements will be enforced for all other imported shrimp.

Legislative Actions to Address the Issue

In response to the health concerns, Higgins’ office has introduced two new legislative proposals: HR 512, the Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act, and HR 271, the Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act. If enacted, these bills would empower the FDA to destroy any seafood products found to be contaminated.

A Call for Executive Action

In his concluding remarks, Higgins urged Trump to exercise executive authority to safeguard the nation’s food supply, proposing a pause on shrimp imports until the FDA can confirm that no radioactive products are entering U.S. markets. “Every shipment of seafood reaching our shores should meet the highest American standards of safety,” he asserted.

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