By suzanne downing 
Seattle-based AquaStar (USA) Corp. announced a sweeping recall of nearly 85,000 bags of frozen shrimp products sold under the Kroger and AquaStar brands due to potential contamination with cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope.
The recall, initiated September 19, covers three product lines:
- 49,920 bags (2 lbs. each) of Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp
- 18,000 bags (2 lbs. each) of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp
- 17,264 bags (1.25 lbs. each) of AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the products “may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have become contaminated with cesium-137 and may pose a safety concern.”
Cesium-137 is a man-made radioactive isotope most commonly associated with nuclear accidents and waste. While low levels of Cs-137 exist in the environment, prolonged exposure through food or water consumption can increase cancer risks due to DNA damage.
The FDA emphasized that no illnesses have been reported. An earlier statement on Aug. 19 clarified that no product testing positive for Cs-137 had entered US commerce. However, the recall was issued out of caution following Customs and Border Protection detections in shipments from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) of Indonesia, a supplier linked to the recalled products.
The shrimp was distributed widely across the US between June 12 and Sept. 17, 2025. Retailers include: Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foodsco, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Jay C, King Soopers, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less Supermarkets, Pick ‘n Save, Ralphs, Smith’s, and QFC.
Affected products were sold in 30 states, including Alaska, California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Consumers can check UPC codes, lot numbers, and “Best If Used By” dates on packaging to determine if their product is part of the recall. Detailed codes are available on the FDA’s recall announcement and AquaStar’s website.
Consumers are advised not to consume the shrimp. Instead, they should dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Questions can be directed to AquaStar’s recall hotline at 1-800-331-3440, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.
The FDA continues to investigate potential Cs-137 contamination in imported seafood products, in coordination with customs and public health agencies.
Suzanne Downing
Were these shrimp swimming in a nuclear waste cooling pond?
If not, how does shrimp became contaminated with Cesium-137?
As an aside, I hate what Fred Meyer has become after going full Kroger.
For example, many of their prices have become positively extortionistic.