Direct Source Seafood Recalls 83,800 Bags Of Frozen Raw Shrimp Over Potential Cesium-137 Contamination

BELLEVUE, WA (December 19, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Direct Source Seafood LLC is voluntarily recalling frozen raw shrimp sold under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brands. Direct Source Seafood LLC initiated the recall after identifying potential safety concerns. The company said the product may have been prepared, packed, or held under conditions that could have led to exposure to very low levels of cesium-137 (Cs-137). The recall involves shrimp imported from Indonesia and distributed across multiple U.S. states, the agency said.

Regulators have reported no illnesses to date, but they are advising consumers not to consume the affected products and to return or dispose of them for a full refund.

Direct Source Seafood recall: quick summary

The FDA-confirmed recall affects approximately 83,800 bags of frozen raw shrimp imported from Indonesia and sold under two private-label brands. The issue centers on potential exposure to cesium-137, a man-made radioisotope, during preparation, packing, or storage. While background levels of Cs-137 can occur naturally in the environment, longer-term, repeated exposure through food may increase cancer risk, the agency said. Major grocery chains sold the recalled products in multiple states beginning in late June and July 2025. Consumers should check package details and avoid consuming affected shrimp.

What happened?

The FDA said Direct Source Seafood LLC initiated the recall after it discovered that frozen raw shrimp imported from Indonesia may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions that could have led to contamination with cesium-137 (Cs-137). The company announced the recall on December 19, 2025, in coordination with the FDA, as the agency continues investigating reports of Cs-137 contamination linked to shipping containers and frozen shrimp products manufactured in Indonesia by PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods).

In its recall alert, the FDA explained that Cs-137 is a man-made radioisotope that can be present at background levels in the environment, but added that “the primary health effect of concern following longer term, repeated low dose exposure… is an elevated risk of cancer.”

Major grocery retailers, including Price Chopper and Jewel-Osco, distributed the shrimp nationwide and sold it beginning on or after June 30 and July 11, 2025, depending on the brand and package size.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best by date	Issue	Affected states
Market 32	Frozen raw shrimp	1 lb	0 41735 01358 3	04/22/27–04/27/27	Potential Cs-137 exposure	CT, MA, NH, NY, PA, VT
Waterfront Bistro	Frozen raw shrimp	2 lb	021130 13224-9	Apr 25–26, 2027	Potential Cs-137 exposure	CO, IA, ID, IL, IN, MT, ND, NV, OR, UT, WY

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, the concern stems from potential exposure to cesium-137 during the preparation, packing, or holding of the shrimp. Cs-137 can accumulate in food products produced in areas with environmental contamination. The agency confirmed that no illnesses have been reported, but noted that repeated low-dose exposure over time may increase cancer risk. Individuals who frequently consume contaminated products would be at higher risk, while short-term exposure is less likely to cause immediate symptoms.

Questions you might have

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume the recalled shrimp.
• Return the product to the retailer for a full refund or dispose of it safely.
• Check the UPC, brand name, package size, and best-by date on the label.
• For questions or refunds, contact Direct Source Seafood LLC at 425-455-2291, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. PST.

Behind the brand

Direct Source Seafood LLC is a Bellevue, Washington-based seafood importer and distributor supplying private-label products to major U.S. grocery chains. In its recall notice, the company stated that it has ceased distribution of the affected shrimp and is working closely with the FDA as the investigation continues. Source86 reached out to the company for additional comment on how the issue occurred but has not yet received a response.

Other relevant recalls

This recall follows several recent contamination-related seafood recalls covered by Source86, including radiation-related import holds and contaminant findings in frozen shrimp and seafood products from Southeast Asia. In recent months, Sea Port recalled raw frozen easy peel white shrimp over a cesium-137 contamination risk, while Southwind Foods and AquaStar each issued recalls for frozen shrimp due to possible cesium-137 exposure. Food safety experts note that environmental contaminants, international shipping conditions, and container integrity remain ongoing challenges for global seafood supply chains.

“The risk from the recalled shrimp is quite low,” said Donald Schaffner, a food safety expert at Rutgers University, “but avoiding potentially contaminated products could reduce exposure to low-level radiation that could lead to health problems over time.”

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, added that the recall underscores a broader industry issue:

“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital transparency and supplier accountability are.”

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights the complexities of global seafood sourcing and the importance of robust inspection, traceability, and supplier verification programs. Consumers should check their freezers and follow recall instructions promptly.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private-label production with transparency and precision, so when recalls happen, supply chains are prepared to respond quickly. Let’s talk.