Is Your Freezer Hiding Radioactive Shrimp?
A recent radioactive shrimp recall has raised eyebrows across the United States, after Louisiana Senator John Kennedy made headlines by warning that eating these shrimp could “turn you into an alien” or even cause you to “grow an extra ear.” While his dramatic claims went viral, health experts say the reality is far less alarming but still worth paying attention to.
Why Shrimp Are Being Recalled
In August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found traces of radioactive cesium-137 (Cs-137) in frozen shrimp imported from Indonesia and processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods). The affected shrimp were distributed under well-known brands, including:
- Great Value (Walmart)
- Arctic Shores
- Sand Bar
- Best Yet
- First Street
- Great American
- Kroger Mercado
- AquaStar
These products were sold across at least 18 states before the recall began. The contamination measured 68 becquerels per kilogram, far below the FDA’s safety limit of 1,200 Bq/kg, but still roughly 100 times higher than normal background levels usually seen in seafood.
What Health Experts Say
The FDA stresses that eating these recalled shrimp is not an immediate health threat. A one-time serving will not cause radiation poisoning or physical mutations. However, doctors note that long-term, repeated exposure to radioactive cesium can damage DNA and potentially raise the risk of cancer.
To reduce future risks, the FDA has:
- Expanded the recall to cover multiple brands.
- Issued import alerts for BMS Foods until stricter safety measures are in place.
- Advised retailers to remove all affected products from shelves.
Why Senator Kennedy’s Comments Went Viral
Senator John Kennedy criticized the FDA’s seafood inspection process, pointing out that only 1–2% of imported seafood is tested. While making his case, he held up a poster of the alien from the 1979 movie Alien and joked that contaminated shrimp could cause people to “look like an alien.”
Although his words were exaggerated, his message highlighted the limited oversight of imported seafood and encouraged consumers to choose locally caught shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico.
What You Should Do
If you have shrimp in your freezer, here’s how to protect yourself and your family:
- Check the brand: Look for the recalled names listed above.
- Review packaging details: Pay special attention to lot codes or shipping dates from July to August 2025.
- Dispose of or return: If your shrimp matches the recall description, do not eat it. Return it to the retailer or discard it safely.
- Stay updated: The FDA recall list may expand, so check their website or contact the store where you purchased your shrimp.
- Consult your doctor: If you have eaten large amounts of the recalled shrimp and are worried about long-term effects, speak with your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
The radioactive shrimp recall is a precautionary measure, not a sign of an immediate public health disaster. While the levels of cesium-137 found are well below dangerous limits, avoiding recalled products is the safest choice. Staying alert, checking your freezer, and following FDA updates will help keep you and your family protected.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 6 September 2025
- 13:00
