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Experts have potentially tracked down the radioactive shrimp source. A step in the right direction for keeping potentially contaminated seafood out of the American marketplace.
So where did it come from?
An industrial recycling facility in Indonesia.
Here’s what we know so far about the potential radioactive shrimp source and what is being done about it.
Last month the Make Food Safe blog warned consumers about a shrimp recall. But it wasn’t for the usual reasons.
No.
This recall was not due to bacterial contamination (Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, etc). Nor was it viral contamination (Hepatitis A or norovirus). This recall was a bit different.
Cesium 137 (Cs-137).
A radioactive isotope.
Shipping containers entering US ports are scanned for many things. In this case, the scanned contents tested positive for radioactivity.
A few sampled products tested positive for Cs-137. The response has continued, as officials work to prevent other potentially contaminated products from entering the U.S. market and recalling those that have already made it to retailers and consumer homes. Impacting millions of pounds of potentially contaminated seafood.
In the beginning, it was unclear where the true radioactive shrimp source. While shrimp processed by the Indonesian firm, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods) was flagged in the initial discovery, it wasn’t obvious at first where the contamination was coming from.
Since the radioactive shrimp source could not be determined, out of an abundance of caution all products produced by the firm were subject to recall. A consumer warning was issued. Recalls were announced (and continue to expand). An investigation was launched. Headlines went wild!
When you think about radioactive shrimp (something you may have never considered until recently), most people imagine shrimp swimming around in contaminated water.
Fluorescent green goo or radioactive waste dumping.
While that could be the case in other situations. We are looking at another potential radioactive shrimp source here.
International nuclear safety officials explain that contaminated metal at an Indonesian industrial site is the likely source.
While the exact picture has not been spelled out, it appears that the processing facility used by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati operates at or near the same industrial site of a metal melting facility or scrap metal disposal facility, says officials at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
At this time, no U.S. investigators have been sent to the radioactive shrimp source site in Serang, Indonesia (west of Jakarta). However, the investigation continues.
For now, the United States is working to stop the more than 300 shipping containers of potentially contaminated product already on their way to our ports.
While none of the shrimp released to the U.S. market so far has tested positive for Cs-137, shipments already sent to stores were likely processed under the same conditions as those that did show contamination. Due to the potential health concern for even low levels of Cs-137 recalls have been made and an import alert has been issued. Efforts designed to remove product from shore shelves (freezers) and prevent additional product from being sold.
Reports indicate that about 12 million pounds of the potentially contaminated shrimp made their way through the ports of Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia during July and August.
Multiple labels and brands have been impacted by this situation. Both under name brands and even store brands. Large retail chains like Walmart and Kroger were initially flagged, but other brands have been identified as well.
Lot numbers and distribution dates for recalled product is available online:
If you purchased frozen shrimp and still have product in your freezer, be sure to check recall notices before consuming it.
There are plenty of ways that food can become contaminated. Every step of the supply chain introduces potential areas for contamination.
Whether contamination occurs pre-harvest, during processing and packaging, during transportation, or even during cooking/preparation. All food is vulnerable to contamination.
In this case, industrial contamination contributed to the radioactive shrimp source.
Experts believe that old medical equipment could be a cause. Cs-137 is used in medical devices, such as those used to reduce blood contamination and cancer treatment. Once the equipment is no longer useful, it is often recycled.
If the radioisotopes aren’t properly removed, these material can be released into the environment.
From there, it is really hard to get rid of.
Cs-137 is not, as you can imagine, safe for humans. But what is it anyway, and what happens if you do consume it?
Cs-137 is a radioisotope of Cesium. It is a man-made contaminant produced through nuclear reactions. According to the FDA, it is widespread and worldwide, so trace amounts of the isotope can be found in the environment. Soil, food, and air could be contaminated with it.
Fortunately, Cs-137 is one of the radioisotopes the FDA monitors for in food. Any unexpected discovery of Cs-137 in a food product prompts an investigation.
Small amounts of Cs-137 typically do not cause serious health problems. Large exposures or repeated low dose exposure over time present an increased risk for cancer and mammary tumors.
Acute radiation syndrome, caused by high doses of Cesium radioisotopes can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, coma, and even death.
If you suspect you have been exposed to elevated levels of Cesium, talk to your healthcare provider right away. Certain tests on your blood, feces, saliva, and urine can determine whether or not the radioactive isotope is being excreted from or remains inside your body at higher than normal levels.
If you have been negatively impacted by potentially contaminated shrimp, you should also get advice from an experienced Food Poisoning Lawyer.
Contact the experienced Food Poisoning Lawyers at The Lange Law Firm.
Medical bills, lost wages, and other burdens associated with food poisoning add up.
The Lange Law Firm offers free consultations and can help you explore your legal rights. Reach out for your free consultation by phone at (833) 330-3663 or click here to email.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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