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The AquaStar (USA) Corp is recalling 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Frozen Cooked Shrimp because they may have been prepared, packed, or held insanitary condition thereby may have become contaminated with cesim-137 (Cs – 137). The recalled product was sold at Baker’s Gerbes, Jay C, Kroger between July 24, 2025, and August 11, 2025. The recalled Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off shrimp is packed in clear plastic bag and has a white label with green stripes on top of each bag. [1]

Aquastar (Usa) Corp Issues Recall of Kroger Mercado Frozen Cooked Shrimp Due To Potential Health Risk

Recall Oct 21, 2025

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Category of food product: Food and food products (Crustacean shellfish)

Type of recall: Contamination of cesium – 137

Date: August 27, 2025

The AquaStar (USA) Corp is recalling 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Frozen Cooked Shrimp because they may have been prepared, packed, or held insanitary condition thereby may have become contaminated with cesim-137 (Cs – 137). The recalled product was sold at Baker’s Gerbes, Jay C, Kroger between July 24, 2025, and August 11, 2025. The recalled Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off shrimp is packed in clear plastic bag and has a white label with green stripes on top of each bag. [1]

Reason for the warning – about Cs – 137 toxicities

Cesium 137 is a man-made radioisotope of cesium. It poses the greatest health risk as they emit beta particles and gamma rays capable of ionizing cells, causing tissue damage. Acute exposure to high doses leads to acute radiation syndrome with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bone marrow suppression, neurological effects and increased risk of leukemia and thyroid cancer. Long term exposure to lower doses can increase cancer risk by damaging DNA within cells [2]

Root Cause Analysis

The general root cause of Cs – 137 contamination stems from human nuclear activities.  This includes atmospheric nuclear weapons testing that disperse radioactive fallout. Additionally, industrial processes like improper handling or disposal of radioactive materials including importation of contaminated scrap metal can introduce cesium-137 into environment.

These sources lead to environmental deposition, especially in soils and water bodies due to cesium’s 30-year half-life. Contaminated soil transfers Cs – 137 to plants and animals causing bioaccumulation and exposure to human risk through food chain. [3]

Product Information

Brand

Product

Form

Lot number

Kroger Mercado

Frozen Cooked Shrimp

Frozen

10662 5139

10662 5140

Issue Identified

The issue identified is the recall of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp by AquaStar (USA) Corp for the potential contamination with Cs – 137, a man-made radioisotope. The shrimp could have been packed, processed, or stored in conditions that met Cs-137, which is capable of being absorbed by the shrimp. Exposure to Cs-137 particularly through long-term and repeat doses, has been shown to increase the risk of malignancy through cellular DNA damage. The shrimp has been distributed to several states from multiple supermarket chains. There have not been reports of illness at this time, but the FDA is investigating reports of contamination of frozen shrimp imported by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati in Indonesia.

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Concerns from the Regulatory Body

  • FDA determined that the product violates the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act that appears to have been prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with Cs-137
  • The FDA is actively investigating reports of cesium-137 contamination during shipping, containers and cooked frozen shrimp
  • It is working with distributors and retailers that received the product after the date of first detection of Cs-137 to recommend that firms conduct a recall. And this is made with the knowledge of U.S. Food and Drug Administration. [4]

Manufacturer / Consumer Guidance

  • Consumers who have purchased affected shrimps should not consume the product
  • It should be disposed or returned it to the place of purchase for a full refund

Company Contact Information

Consumers – 1-800-331-3440 – Consumers with questions may contact the company from Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm PST.

FRL Commentary

The unsanitary conditions mentioned raises the possibility for cross contamination during processing or storage of the products. It is important to require thorough sampling and testing procedures, as well as traceability records, to monitor and prevent radioactive contaminants in imported sea food products. It is important to continue monitoring the products along with adherence to regulatory monitoring to ensure product safety and protection for the consumer from potentially radiological harm. [5] [6]

Conclusion

The recall of frozen cooked shrimp by Aquastar USA emphasizes the ongoing challenge of managing heavy metal and radioactive contamination in food supply chains. Consumers should remain vigilant about product safety and avoid consuming recalled items. Healthcare professionals should recognize the presenting symptoms for Cs – 137 exposures from products such as frozen shrimp. Manufacturers and suppliers must work to improve quality assurance and preventive controls to diminish contamination hazards and protect public health. Food Research Lab’s services conduct heavy metal laboratory testing to assist companies increase product safety and meet regulatory compliance.

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