Southwind Foods, a California-based company, has announced a recall of frozen shrimp because they may be contaminated with Cesium-137. This radioactive isotope, which is a byproduct of many nuclear reactions, has stirred public health concerns among consumers. The recall affects shrimp sold under dozens of different brands. These brands go by names like Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American, and First Street.
The affected frozen shrimp products were distributed between July 17 and August 8, reaching various stores and wholesalers throughout nine states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington state. The company made this precautionary decision after discovering possible traces of Cesium-137 in their products.
Cesium-137 is well characterized in the environment, detected in food, soils, and air. Of course, traces of this isotope can be found outside of bombs, in nature — and that’s widely accepted. The levels detected in the shrimp that’s being recalled have alarmed us. Southwind Foods is urging consumers to immediately stop using and return impacted products. Return them to the store where you bought them for your money back—no questions asked!
Health officials advise that people stop eating the recalled shrimp until additional testing can establish safety levels. The company is currently engaging full cooperation with regulatory agencies. They want to make sure there are comprehensive investigations to find out where the contamination came from.
