Aquastar Recalls Kroger Mercado Frozen Cooked Shrimp Over Cesium-137 Contamination

Aquastar recall: quick summary

Aquastar is recalling 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Frozen Cooked Shrimp due to potential contamination with cesium-137, a man-made radioactive isotope associated with DNA damage and long-term cancer risk. The affected shrimp was distributed to multiple Kroger family stores across 17 states between July 24 and August 11, 2025. While no illnesses (or radioactive shrimp monsters) have been reported so far, customers are strongly advised to either toss the product or return it for a full refund, and definitely not attempt to use it as glow-in-the-dark sushi.

What happened?

On August 27, 2025, Aquastar (USA) Corp. recalled around 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Frozen Cooked Shrimp after concerns that the product may have been exposed to cesium-137 contamination. The issue was linked to shipments processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati in Indonesia, which raised red flags during Customs & Border Protection screenings.

The shrimp in question came in 2lb bags, sold under Kroger’s family of grocery stores, including Baker’s, Gerbes, Jay C, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less, and Pick ‘n Save. Distribution spread across 17 states, from Alabama to Wisconsin.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Lot Code	Best By	Issue	States distributed
Kroger	Mercado Frozen Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp	2 lbs	011110626196	10662 5139	11/19/2027	Potential Cs-137 contamination	AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, MS, NE, OH, SC, TN, VA, WI, WV
Kroger	Mercado Frozen Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp	2 lbs	011110626196	10662 5140	11/20/2027	Potential Cs-137 contamination	AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, MS, NE, OH, SC, TN, VA, WI, WV

What caused the issue?

The culprit? Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. Unlike glitter, this isn’t the kind of sparkle you want in your seafood platter. Long-term exposure to Cs-137 can increase cancer risk by damaging DNA.

While no consumers have reported symptoms (and nobody’s glowing green just yet), the potential risks make this recall serious. Vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals would be at the highest risk if the contamination was confirmed.

Questions you might have

1. What’s cesium-137 anyway?
   A radioactive byproduct often found in nuclear waste. Not exactly a seasoning.
2. Does cooking the shrimp kill cesium-137?
   No. Cesium-137 is radioactive, not a bacterium, so cooking won’t remove it.
3. What happens if I have already eaten it?
   Likely nothing immediate. The concern is long-term repeated exposure.
4. Were there illnesses reported?
   Nope, zero so far.
5. Why is it even in shrimp?
   Contamination concerns arose in shipping containers and processing facilities abroad.
6. How many states got this shrimp?
   Seventeen in total, mostly Midwest and Southern states.
7. Can I return it for a refund?
   Yes, at the place of purchase.
8. How do I identify it?
   Look for 2lb Kroger Mercado Frozen Cooked Shrimp with UPC 011110626196 and the listed lot codes.
9. Is this the same as radiation poisoning?
   No. This is a contamination risk, not a full-on Chernobyl dinner party.
10. Who can I call with questions?
    Aquastar at 1-800-331-3440 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. PST).

Here’s what you should do

• Don’t consume the product. Toss or return it.
• Check the UPC (011110626196) and lot codes (10662 5139 or 10662 5140).
• Look at the “Best Before” dates: 11/19/2027 and 11/20/2027.
• Contact Aquastar at 1-800-331-3440 for questions.

Behind the brand

Aquastar, based in Seattle, WA, specializes in seafood distribution across the U.S. The company works closely with global suppliers to bring shrimp, salmon, and other frozen seafood to major retail chains.

Other relevant recalls

• Aquastar recalls Cocktail Shrimp over Cesium-137 contamination
• Beaver Street Fisheries recalls Great Value frozen raw shrimp over Cesium-137 contamination risk
• Southwind Foods recalls frozen shrimp over Cesium-137 risk
• FDA public health alert: Great Value frozen shrimp linked to Cesium-137 contamination concerns
• Country Eggs recalls Sunshine Yolks over Salmonella scare
• One Frozen, LLC recalls Good & Gather™ Southwest style burrito bowl blend over undeclared shrimp

“Every recall is a reminder that food safety isn’t optional. Strong supply chains, thorough testing, and quick action protect both consumers and brands alike.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

Radioactive shrimp isn’t anyone’s idea of fine dining. While no illnesses have been reported, this recall highlights the importance of strict food safety standards and vigilant monitoring of imports. Companies must double down on testing, traceability, and supplier audits to keep contaminants out of our kitchens.

So, what should you do? Easy: check your freezer, return or toss the affected shrimp, and stay tuned to recall alerts.

And if you’re in the food business, contact us at Source86 about safe bulk ingredients, private label services, and supply chain excellence, because glowing seafood should stay in comic books, not your dinner plate.