Southwind Foods Recalls Frozen Shrimp Over Cesium-137 Risk

Southwind Foods recall: quick summary

Southwind Foods, LLC is recalling frozen shrimp sold under multiple brands, including Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American, and First Street, due to possible Cesium-137 contamination, a radioactive isotope. Yes, radioactive shrimp, not just the sushi you hoped was extra fresh. The affected products were distributed between July 17 and August 8, 2025, across nine states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. While no illnesses have been reported so far, prolonged exposure could increase cancer risk, so it’s better to be safe than glow in the dark. Consumers are advised to either dispose of the shrimp or return it for a full refund. Don’t worry, your wallet won’t be radioactive.

What happened?

Southwind Foods, LLC of Carson, California, voluntarily recalled a limited quantity of frozen shrimp on August 21, 2025, after potential Cesium-137 contamination was detected. The shrimp products, sold under multiple brand names, were distributed between July 17 and August 8, 2025, across nine U.S. states. The company discovered the issue through reports linked to shipping containers processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) in Indonesia. Products affected include bagged frozen shrimp in sizes from 6 oz to 2 lb, both raw and cooked.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue	Affected States
Sand Bar	Frozen Raw Shrimp 31/40	2LB	011110641182	087305	Cs-137	AL, AZ, CA, MA, MN, PA, UT, VA, WA
Best Yet	Frozen Cooked Shrimp 31/40	1LB	042187002736	095944	Cs-137	AL, AZ, CA, MA, MN, PA, UT, VA, WA
Arctic Shores	Frozen Large Cooked Shrimp 31/40	1LB	041130812392	109562	Cs-137	AL, AZ, CA, MA, MN, PA, UT, VA, WA
Great American	Frozen Raw Shrimp 16/20	2LB	829944010612	125143	Cs-137	AL, AZ, CA, MA, MN, PA, UT, VA, WA
First Street	Frozen Raw Shrimp 16/20	2LB	041512179471	130632	Cs-137	AL, AZ, CA, MA, MN, PA, UT, VA, WA

What caused the issue?

The issue stems from contamination with the radionuclide Cesium-137. While no immediate symptoms have been reported, long-term, low-dose exposure may increase the risk of cancer, particularly for members of the general population who consume contaminated food over time. As of now, no victims have been confirmed.

Questions you might have

1. Can I eat this shrimp?
   No. Stop, drop, and do not consume.
2. Can pets eat the recalled shrimp?
   No, pets should not consume the contaminated shrimp.
3. Are all frozen shrimps affected?
   No, only specific brands, UPC codes, and bag sizes listed in the recall are affected.
4. Does freezing kill Cesium-137?
   Nope. Freezing does not remove or neutralize radioactive contamination.
5. How long should I keep an eye on my health after eating it?
   Consult your doctor for advice; long-term effects are the main concern.
6. How will I know if my shrimp is radioactive?
   There’s no visual or taste test. You must check UPC codes and bag details.
7. Will retailers exchange the product?
   Yes, most retailers will provide a refund or replacement for affected products.
8. Does this recall affect restaurants or just consumers?
   Both. Any establishment that purchased affected products should follow recall guidelines.
9. Can cooking the shrimp make it safe?
   No, cooking will not eliminate the radionuclide.
10. Who can I contact for info?
    Southwind Foods: 1-323-262-8222

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume affected shrimp.
• Check UPC codes and bag sizes against the recall list.
• Return to retailer or dispose of safely.
• Contact Southwind Foods at 1-323-262-8222 for questions.

Behind the brand

Southwind Foods, LLC, based in Carson, California, supplies frozen shrimp across multiple U.S. states under various brand names. The company emphasizes quality, but even the best suppliers can run into unexpected issues like this one.

Other relevant recalls

• FDA public health alert: Great Value frozen shrimp linked to Cesium-137 contamination concerns
• Beaver Street Fisheries recalls Great Value frozen raw shrimp over Cesium-137 contamination risk
• Bornstein Seafoods recalls coldwater shrimp meat over Listeria contamination risk
• JBR frozen oysters public safety alert: Norovirus contamination
• Sabrositos Hondureños recalls 32,000 pounds of meat over fake USDA inspection
• Southwind Foods recalls frozen shrimp over Cesium-137 contamination risk

“Every recall is a reminder that vigilance matters. From sourcing to packaging, supply chain excellence and strict food safety protocols are what keep consumers safe and brands trusted.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

Recalls like this highlight how crucial food safety is for the entire industry. Ensuring products are free from contaminants protects consumers, preserves trust in brands, and maintains high standards across the supply chain. Companies must have robust testing, monitoring, and response plans to quickly address any potential issues. For consumers, the best course of action is to dispose of or return any recalled product immediately.

If you want to make sure your ingredients and products meet the highest safety standards, or if you’re looking for bulk ingredients, private label services, and supply chain excellence, don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance and support.