Lawrence Wholesale LLC of Vernon, California, has issued a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of Kroger-branded frozen shrimp products after concerns were raised about potential contamination with Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive substance.
The recall affects specific shrimp products sold across 27 states.
The affected products include both bagged frozen shrimp and shrimp cocktail items. The recall was prompted by an investigation into products sourced from Indonesia and manufactured by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), which may have been prepared, packed, or held under unsanitary conditions.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is actively investigating the contamination, although no illnesses have been reported at this time.
Details of the Recall
The recall impacts the following products:
1. Shrimp Bowl Cooked Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce (7oz)
- UPC: 011110622952
- Lot Numbers: 11325-H3A1, 11425-H3A1, 11525-H3A1, 11625-H3A1
- Best by Dates: April 22, 2027 – April 25, 2027
2. Shrimp Cocktail with Cocktail Sauce (17oz)
- UPC: 011110624840
- Lot Numbers: 13725-H3A1, 13825-H3A1
- Best by Dates: May 16, 2027 – May 17, 2027
3. Kroger Cooked Jumbo Tail-On, Peeled & Deveined 16/25 Shrimp
- UPC: 011110649812
- Lot Numbers: 11925-H3A1, 12025-H3A1
- Best by Dates: April 28, 2027 – April 29, 2027
4. Kroger Cooked Medium Tail-On, Peeled & Deveined 51/60 Shrimp
- UPC: 011110967015
- Lot Numbers: 12225-H3A1, 12325-H3A1
- Best by Dates: May 1, 2027 – May 2, 2027
These products were sold in Kroger stores across multiple states, including Alaska, California, Texas, Illinois, and many others. The affected states are listed in the recall notice, which urges consumers to check for the lot numbers and UPC codes.
What is Cesium-137?
Cesium-137 is a man-made radioactive isotope that can be harmful when consumed over time, particularly through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. While traces of Cs-137 are found in the environment, higher levels of contamination can pose health risks, including an elevated risk of cancer due to DNA damage.
The contamination is believed to have originated from unsanitary conditions in the shrimp’s processing and packaging, rather than from a deliberate act of contamination.
The FDA is collaborating with distributors and retailers to remove affected products from the market.
What Should Consumers Do?
Consumers who have purchased the affected shrimp products are urged not to consume them. The company advises that they either dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
For further inquiries, customers can contact Lawrence Wholesale LLC at (323) 235-7535, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM PT.
The FDA continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. As of now, no reports of illness have been linked to the affected products.