FDA Warns About Shrimp Containing Cesium-137

Last Updated: September 2, 2025

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a warning regarding radioactivity in certain frozen shrimp products cautioning against their sale or consumption. Cesium-137 is a radioactive element that is produced during nuclear fission. Cesium-137 can be found in the environment as a result of accidental releases from nuclear power plants or from nuclear weapon testing. It is also used in industry in some gauges and in medicine for radiation therapy. People can be exposed to cesium-137 by breathing in air, drinking water, or eating food that contains cesium-137. Exposure to high levels of cesium-137 can cause negative health effects including cell damage, burns, acute radiation syndrome, and an increased risk of cancer.

For more information about the FDA alert and cesium-137:

FDA Alert: https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-public-not-eat-sell-or-serve-certain-imported-frozen-shrimp-indonesian-firm

ATSDR Cesium Factsheet: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=576&toxid=107

CDC Cesium-137: https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/hcp/isotopes/cesium-137.html