Aquastar Recalls Kroger Shrimp Products Over Possible Cesium-137 Contamination

Aquastar recall: quick summary

Nearly 85,000 bags of shrimp have been recalled, including Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel, Kroger Mercado Cooked Shrimp, and AquaStar Shrimp Skewers. The reason? Possible contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope; basically, the shrimp “glow-up” nobody asked for. The recall was announced on September 20, 2025, and published by the FDA the following day. These products were distributed across major Kroger-affiliated grocery chains in more than 30 U.S. states. While no illnesses have been reported so far (thankfully), consumers are strongly advised to return or dispose of the affected shrimp immediately.

What happened?

Aquastar (USA) Corp., based in Seattle, WA, announced a recall of three shrimp products on September 20, 2025, after possible contamination with Cesium-137 was detected in shipments processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati of Indonesia.

Products were sold under Kroger, Kroger Mercado, and AquaStar labels. Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue	States affected
Kroger	Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp	2 lbs	20011110643906	Mar–Apr 2027	Cs-137 contamination	30+ U.S. states
Kroger Mercado	Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp	2 lbs	011110626196	Oct 2027	Cs-137 contamination	30+ U.S. states
AquaStar	Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers	1.25 lbs	731149390010	Nov 2027	Cs-137 contamination	30+ U.S. states

What caused the issue?

The culprit: Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. Not exactly the seasoning you want on your seafood.

• Health risks: Long-term consumption can damage DNA and raise cancer risks.
• Groups most vulnerable: Children, pregnant people, and anyone who prefers their shrimp without extra radioactivity.
• Symptoms: None immediate—this is a slow-burning kind of danger.
• Victims so far: None reported. Shrimp: 1, Humans: 0.

Questions you might have

1. Is my shrimp glowing in the dark?
   Probably not, but don’t test it.
2. Can cooking it make it safe?
   Nope. Radiation isn’t like salmonella—it doesn’t fry out.
3. What if I already ate some?
   Don’t panic. One meal won’t turn you into Spider-Man.
4. Why shrimp, of all things?
   Because life likes to keep seafood interesting.
5. How do I know if my bag is affected?
   Check the UPC, lot code, and “Best By” dates listed above.
6. Was this shrimp imported?
   Yes, from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati in Indonesia.
7. Are other seafoods affected?
   Only the listed shrimp products (so far).
8. Should I call my doctor?
   If you’re worried, yes. But no illnesses were reported.
9. Can I get a refund?
   Yep. Return it where you bought it.
10. What if I already threw it away?
    Then you’re ahead of the game.

Here’s what you should do

• Do not eat the product.
• Check the UPC, lot code, and “Best By” date.
• Return to the store for a full refund.
• Call Aquastar at 1-800-331-3440 (Mon–Fri, 8 am–5 pm PST) for questions.

Behind the brand

Aquastar (USA) Corp., headquartered in Seattle, WA, supplies seafood across North America under brands like Aquastar and Kroger private label.

Other relevant recalls

• Aquastar recalls Kroger Mercado frozen cooked shrimp over Cesium-137 contamination
• Aquastar recalls cocktail shrimp over Cesium-137 contamination
• Sea Port recalls raw frozen easy peel white shrimp over Cesium-137 contamination risk
• Southwind Foods recalls frozen shrimp over Cesium-137 risk
• Kroger recalls frozen shrimp products due to possible Cesium-137 contamination
• Southwind Foods recalls frozen shrimp over Cesium-137 contamination risk

“Food safety isn’t optional; it’s foundational. Every recall is a wake-up call for the entire supply chain to tighten controls and ensure consumers trust what’s on their plate.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

This recall shows how fragile supply chains can be; one contaminated shipment can affect thousands of households. Companies must prioritize rigorous testing, safe handling, and transparent recalls.

If you bought these shrimp, return or discard them immediately.

At Source86, we’re all about high-quality ingredients, private label solutions, food safety, and supply chain excellence. Talk to our team today to make sure your business stays shrimp-safe and recall-free.