Seattle, WA – Aquastar (USA) Corp is recalling more than 44,000 shrimp packages sold under Kroger Mercado and Walmart labels across 26 states after federal regulators flagged possible cesium-137 contamination.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the recall involves Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp (2 lbs.) sold between July 24 and August 11, and Walmart-branded Cocktail Shrimp (6 oz.) sold between July 31 and August 16. No illnesses have been reported, and the FDA emphasized that no product testing positive for cesium-137 has entered U.S. commerce to date.
The Kroger Mercado shrimp was sold at stores including Baker’s, Gerbes, Jay C, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less Supermarkets, and Pick ’n Save in states spanning the Midwest and South, while the Cocktail Shrimp was available in Walmart locations from Alaska to Texas.
Health experts warn that long-term, repeated consumption of cesium-137–contaminated foods could increase cancer risk by damaging DNA. Customers are urged to check UPC and lot codes and either return the products for a refund or dispose of them safely.
The FDA is continuing its investigation into Indonesian processor PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, which supplied the shrimp. Additional recalls or advisories may follow.
