Southwind Foods, LLC recalls frozen shrimp because of possible health risk

Southwind Foods, LLC of Carson, California, is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of frozen shrimp, due to possible radionuclide (Cesium-137) contamination. Cs-137 is a man-made radioisotope of cesium, according to a Department of Defense All Food and Drug Activity message sent Aug. 22.

Traces of Cs-137 are widespread and can be present in the environment at background levels, and at higher levels in water or foods grown, raised, or produced in areas with environmental contamination. The primary health effect of concern following longer term, repeated low dose exposure (e.g., through consumption of contaminated food or water over time) is an elevated risk of cancer, resulting from damage to DNA within living cells of the body.

The Defense Commissary Agency has publicized this recall to all its stores, said Richard Stith, Chief, Public Health Division, DeCA headquarters at Fort Lee, Virginia. Whenever a commissary has recalled or withdrawn products in its inventory, they are immediately removed from store shelves.

The FDA is actively investigating reports of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination in shipping containers and frozen shrimp products processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods) of Indonesia. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The following product is affected by this recall:

• Frozen Raw Shrimp 31/40 Sand Bar 2-pound bag: UPC: 011110641182, lot number 087305
• Frozen Cooked Shrimp 31/40 Best Yet 1-pound bag: UPC: 042187002736, lot number 095944
• Frozen Cooked Shrimp 31/40 Best Yet 1-pound bag: UPC: 042187002736, lot number 111154
• Frozen Cooked Shrimp 41/50 Best Yet 1-pound bag: UPC: 042187002743, lot number 095946
• Frozen Large Cooked Shrimp 31/40 Artic Shores 1-pound bag: UPC: 041130812392, lot number 109562
• Frozen Small Cooked Shrimp 61/70 Artic Shores 1-pound bag: UPC: 041130810497, lot number 109540
• Frozen Small Cooked Shrimp 91/120 White Arctic Shores 12-ounce bag: UPC: 04113081041, lot number 109541
• Frozen Cooked Salad Shrimp 150-200 Arctic Shores 6-ounce bag: UPC: 041130811685, lot number: 109542
• Frozen Raw Shrimp 16/20 Great American 2-pound bag: UPC: 829944010612, lot number 125143
• Frozen Raw Shrimp 16/20 First Street 2-pound bag: UPC: 041512179471, lot 130632
• Frozen Raw Shrimp 71/90 Great American 2-pound bag: UPC: 829944010698, lot code 128267
• Frozen Cooked Shrimp Meat Great American 1-pound bag: UPC: 829944092540, lot code 134010
• Frozen Cooked Shrimp 41/60 Great American 2-pound bag: UPC: 829944012173, lot code 128275

The bagged, frozen shrimp product was distributed between July 17 - Aug. 8, 2025 to retailers, distributors, and wholesalers in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington state.

Customers should return this product to the commissary of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-323-262-8222 Monday-Friday during normal business hours 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Pacific Time.