Government confirms shrimp rejected by the US is safe, with radiation far below limits.

Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas), has assured the public that shrimp exports returned from the United States due to radiation concerns remain safe for consumption. The reassurance comes after thorough testing revealed contamination levels well below national safety standards.

Testing Results Confirm Safety

Shrimp exports from Indonesia faced rejection in the United States after traces of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) were discovered. However, according to Minister Zulkifli Hasan, the returned frozen shrimp contained radiation levels as low as 68 becquerel per kilogram—far below Indonesia’s national threshold of 500 becquerel/kg and the US limit of 1,200. “Clearly, with such minimal levels, the shrimp is safe to eat,” Zulhas stated during a press conference on September 30, 2025, in Jakarta.

BRIN Examination at Tanjung Priok

Once the returned shipments arrived at Tanjung Priok port, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) conducted comprehensive testing. Out of 26 containers, 18 were found to contain Cs-137, though at extremely low concentrations. BRIN confirmed some samples contained less than one becquerel/kg, a negligible amount by global standards. Shrimp passing inspection was returned to the exporting company or retained for safe domestic circulation.

Limited Scope of Contamination

Investigations revealed the contamination source originated in Cikande, a specific industrial zone in Indonesia. The government established a special radiation incident status for that area, but confirmed no nationwide impact. “The contamination is localized and does not affect Indonesia’s broader supply chain or exports,” Zulhas emphasized.

Government and Industry Response

The Coordinating Ministry for Food, supported by BRIN and the Food Safety Task Force, has implemented tighter monitoring to prevent future contamination. The government stated that any shipment exceeding 500 becquerel/kg would be immediately destroyed. PT BMS, the primary exporter involved, now holds discretion over whether to re-export safe products or distribute them locally.

International Recall and Rejection

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially flagged contaminated shipments at several ports, triggering recalls from retailers including Walmart. Hundreds of containers in transit were also redirected back to Indonesia. Despite the disruption, Indonesian authorities stressed that many recalled products were already deemed safe but returned as part of broader precautionary measures.

Assurance to Consumers and Export Partners

Officials reiterated that Indonesia is committed to maintaining food safety standards. “We treat this matter seriously, even if contamination levels are minimal,” said Bara K. Hasibuan, Senior Advisor at the Coordinating Ministry. The government pledged stronger safeguards to protect both domestic consumers and international buyers, reinforcing confidence in Indonesia’s seafood exports.

The government’s transparency and scientific reassurances aim to protect Indonesia’s reputation as a seafood exporter while ensuring public trust. For Indonesians, this guarantees safe consumption, while for Singaporeans and regional partners, it highlights the country’s commitment to food safety, resilience, and international trade standards.

Sources: Tirto.id (2025) , Bisnis.com (2025)

Keywords: Shrimp Export, Radioactive Contamination, Food Safety Indonesia, Cesium 137, BRIN Examination, PT BMS