Frozen shrimp from Indonesia recalled in US after radioactive contamination scare
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised alarms over frozen shrimp from Indonesia contaminated with radioactive Cesium-137 (Cs-137). The case has sparked investigations in both countries and raised questions about food safety, trade, and Indonesia’s global seafood reputation.
FDA Findings and Product Recall
The FDA reported that frozen shrimp processed by PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) tested positive for Cs-137. The contaminated products, sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand, carried lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, with expiration dates of March 15, 2027. Distribution spanned 13 US states, including Texas, Florida, and Ohio.
Southwind Foods LLC, a US distributor, has since recalled multiple frozen shrimp products linked to BMS Foods. Although no contaminated products are confirmed to have reached US consumers, the FDA blocked further imports and placed BMS Foods on its import alert list.
How Dangerous is Cs-137?
The FDA detected Cs-137 levels of 68 Bq/kg—well below its intervention threshold of 1,200 Bq/kg. While not immediately life-threatening, prolonged exposure could increase cancer risk by damaging DNA. Cs-137 is a man-made isotope often associated with nuclear reactors, medical equipment, and past nuclear accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima.
Senior researcher Djarot Sulistio from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) described the findings as unusual: “Cs-137 rarely appears in food. Contamination could come from shipping containers, industrial equipment, or storage facilities.”
Indonesian Government Response
Trade Minister Budi Santoso confirmed that the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten) are investigating. Inspections are ongoing at BMS Foods in Banten, and exports have been temporarily halted.
“We must validate whether the contamination is real,” Budi emphasized. “International food standards are extremely high, and Indonesia must be prepared to meet them.”
The Ministry of Industry has also formed a special task force to oversee the probe, while Indonesia’s embassy in Washington has been tasked with coordinating with US authorities.
Impact on Trade and Global Reputation
Indonesia’s shrimp exports play a critical role in its economy, with the US absorbing 17–18 percent of shipments last year. Senior economist Tauhid Ahmad of INDEF warned that prolonged bans could affect Indonesia’s trade balance and open opportunities for rival exporters.
“America’s dependence on Indonesian shrimp is significant, but repeated issues could push them to seek alternatives,” he said. “Transparency and swift corrective action are vital to restoring confidence.”
UGM fisheries expert Indun Dewi Puspita stressed that beyond health concerns, reputational damage could be severe: “Export rejection signals serious risks for global trust. Strong traceability and quality assurance systems are non-negotiable.”
Industry Concerns and Political Debate
Civil society groups such as KIARA questioned whether the case may also involve trade politics, noting the unusual nature of radioactive contamination in shrimp. Susan Herawati of KIARA highlighted that Indonesian seafood facilities generally maintain strict hygiene, adding weight to calls for an independent academic review of supply chains.
“This is not just about food safety—it could affect Indonesia’s competitive standing in key markets like the US, Europe, and Japan,” Susan warned.
The FDA’s detection of radioactive Cs-137 in Indonesian shrimp has triggered a high-stakes food safety and trade controversy. While contamination levels were low, the reputational and economic implications are far-reaching. For Indonesia, the case is a wake-up call to strengthen food safety systems, enhance supply chain transparency, and act decisively to safeguard its role in the global seafood market.
Sources: Tirto.id (2025) , BBC (2025)
Keywords: Indonesia Shrimp, Radioactive Shrimp, Cesium-137 Contamination, FDA Recall, Food Safety Standards, Indonesia Export
