An urgent food safety alert has been issued in the United States after authorities discovered imported shrimp contaminated with potentially dangerous levels of radioactivity. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is leading a major recall of the affected products, which were sold in some of America's largest supermarket chains.
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall specifically targets frozen shrimp packages from the brand ‘Freshness Guaranteed’ and ‘Waterfront Bistro’. The implicated shrimp was sourced from a processing facility in India, raising immediate concerns about the oversight of imported seafood.
Shoppers are being urged to check their freezers for the following products:
- Freshness Guaranteed Medium Raw Shrimp (2lb bags) with best-by dates of 24/25/26 FEB 2025.
- Waterfront Bistro Raw Shrimp (1.5lb bags) with the same best-by dates.
Where Was This Sold?
The radioactive seafood found its way onto the shelves of at least four major US retailers:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Meijer
- Price Chopper/Market 32
This wide distribution means consumers across multiple states could potentially have purchased the product.
What is the Risk?
The recall was triggered after testing revealed the shrimp contained elevated levels of iodine-131, a radioactive isotope. While the FDA states the health risk is relatively low, it advises that consumers should not eat the product. Exposure to high levels of ionising radiation from contaminated food can, over time, increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
The discovery has sent shockwaves through the food industry and raised serious questions about the screening processes for imports.
What Should You Do?
If you have purchased one of the affected products, the FDA advises you to:
- Do not consume the shrimp.
- Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Alternatively, dispose of it immediately to ensure no one else can eat it.
Consumers with questions can contact the relevant retailers directly for further guidance. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and potential hazards within the global food supply chain.
