Shrimp Recalled Across California Over 'Radioactive Contamination' Risk

Specific lots of frozen raw shrimp sold in stores in several states, including California, have been recalled over a serious health concern.

Southwind Foods LLC issued a voluntary recall for multiple brands of frozen shrimp due to a potential contamination of Cesium-137 (Cs-137), according to a recall notice shared August 21 by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The FDA notes that Cs-137, a radioisotope of cesium produced by nuclear fission, could cause "elevated risk of cancer" in consumers through long term, repeated low dose exposure.

The recall impacts frozen shrimp products distributed to retailers, distributors and wholesalers between July 17 and August 8 in Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and Washington. See the full list of affected products and lot numbers on the FDA's website.

Customers who purchased the affected products should not consume them and throw them out immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. There have been no reported illnesses in connection to the recall as of August 21.

Southwind's recall comes after Walmart issued its own warning for possible radioactive contamination of frozen shrimp imported from Indonesian company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), CBS News reports.

A warning was issued after Customs and Border Protection detected Cs-137 in a single shipment of frozen shrimp from BMS Foods; however the FDA notes that none of the products entered U.S. commerce.

For more information about the recalls, visit fda.gov.