The festive cheer for seafood lovers in the United States faces a significant setback this Christmas season. A major recall involving more than 80,000 bags of shrimp has been initiated over serious concerns about potential radioactive contamination, threatening to disrupt holiday menus across multiple states.
What Sparked the Massive Shrimp Recall?
In a concerning development just days before Christmas, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an update on December 19. The alert was based on a notice from Direct Source Seafood LLC, the importing company, which announced a voluntary recall of raw, frozen shrimp sourced from Indonesia. The company stated it believes the products were "prepared, packed, or held under unsanitary conditions" and may be contaminated with cesium-137, a man-made radioisotope.
The recall, first announced on Friday last week, casts a shadow over Christmas celebrations. Cesium-137 can occur at background levels in the environment but is found in higher concentrations in food and water from areas with environmental pollution. Long-term, repeated exposure to even low doses through contaminated food is linked to an elevated risk of cancer. No illnesses have been reported so far in connection with this recall.
Which Brands and States Are Affected?
The recall impacts two specific shrimp brands sold in a total of 17 states. Consumers need to check their freezers immediately.
Market 32 Brand: The recall affects 1-pound bags of frozen shrimp with dates of sale from July 11, 2025, onwards. This product was sold exclusively at Price Chopper stores in six states:
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Vermont
Waterfront Bistro Brand: The recall affects 2-pound bags with dates of sale from June 30, 2025, onwards. This product was available through several major retailers, including:
- Jewel-Osco
- Albertsons
- Safeway
- Lucky Store
These bags were sold across 11 states: Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.
What Should Consumers Do Now?
The FDA and the company have issued clear instructions for consumers who may have purchased the affected shrimp. Do not consume the product. Consumers should either dispose of the shrimp safely or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
For any questions or concerns, consumers can contact Direct Source Seafood directly at 425-455-2291, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
This large-scale recall serves as a critical reminder for consumers, especially during the holiday season, to stay informed about food safety alerts. Checking product labels and recall notices can help ensure a safe and healthy celebration for everyone.
