FDA finds radioactive contamination in spices after major shrimp recalls

Federal authorities have discovered potential radioactive contamination in a second food item imported from Indonesia into the U.S., as concerns over potentially contaminated shrimp  persist. This finding raises further questions regarding the origins of this peculiar issue.

Last week, officials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) halted the importation of all spices from PT Natural Java Spice based in Indonesia, following the detection of cesium 137 in a cloves shipment headed for California.

This action follows an import alert issued in August against PT Bahari Makmuri Sejati (BMS Foods), a company that exports millions of pounds of shrimp to the U.S. annually.

Here’s what you need to know about cesium 137 contamination:

What is cesium 137?

Cesium 137 is a radioactive isotope that forms as a byproduct of nuclear reactions, including nuclear bomb tests and reactor operations. It is commonly found worldwide, with trace amounts present in the environment, like soil, air, and food.

What have U.S. officials discovered?

Officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection have found cesium 137 in shrimp container shipments from PT Bahari Makmur Sejati at multiple U.S. ports. They reported the potential contamination to the FDA, which subsequently tested shrimp samples, confirming the presence of cesium 137 in one instance of breaded shrimp.

This year, the company has exported approximately 84 million pounds (38 million kilograms) of shrimp to U.S. ports, making up around 6% of the foreign shrimp imported into the U.S., according to data compiled by Import Genius, a trade analysis firm.

Recently, FDA officials identified cesium 137 in a sample of cloves shipped by PT Natural Java Spice, which exports spices to the U.S. and other regions. Records indicate that this company shipped around 440,000 pounds (200,000 kilograms) of cloves to the U.S. this year.

What health risks are associated?

FDA officials assured that no food products that have raised alarms or tested positive have been made available for sale in the U.S.

However, numerous packages of imported frozen shrimp distributed at Kroger and other grocery retailers across the U.S. have been recalled due to possible contamination risks during their processing, as stated by the agency.

While the risk remains low, these foods could represent a “potential health concern” for individuals exposed to low levels of cesium 137 over extended periods.

The contamination levels found are considerably below those requiring health intervention, yet prolonged exposure may elevate the risk of certain cancers.

What is the source of the contamination?

It remains uncertain whether there is a common contamination source connected to both the shrimp and the spices. Investigations by the FDA and CBP are ongoing. The two processing facilities are approximately 500 miles (800 kilometers) apart in Indonesia.

The International Atomic Energy Agency suggests that the radioactive material’s source may stem from contaminated metal scrapped or melted at an industrial site close to the shrimp processing facility in Indonesia. Indonesian nuclear regulators have detected this radioactive isotope near Jakarta.

There is a possibility that the contamination arose from recycling outdated medical equipment that had cesium 137, according to Steve Biegalski, a nuclear medicine specialist at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Contaminated shipping containers or logistics methods, such as trucks and vessels, might also be contributing factors, he noted.

What actions should consumers take?

For the moment, the FDA advises consumers to refrain from consuming or serving shrimp recalled due to potential cesium 137 contamination.

Up to now, four companies have initiated shrimp recalls since August, including those detailed below.

1. Aug. 21, 2025: Southwind Foods, LLC Recall
2. Aug. 22, 2025: Beaver Street Fisheries, LLC Recall
3. Aug. 27, 2025: AquaStar (USA) Corp Recall – Kroger Brand
4. Aug. 28, 2025: AquaStar (USA) Corp Recall – Aqua Star Brand
5. Aug. 29, 2025: Southwind Foods, LLC Recall – Expanded original recall
6. Sept. 19, 2025: AquaStar (USA) Corp Recall – Extended original recall
7. Sept. 23, 2025: Southwind Foods, LLC Recall – Further expansion of initial recall
8. Sept. 23, 2025: Lawrence Wholesale, LLC Recall – Kroger Brand