Southwind Foods Recalls Frozen Shrimp Over Cesium-137 Contamination Risk

Southwind Foods recall: quick summary

Southwind Foods, LLC has issued a recall on frozen shrimp sold under the brands Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American, and First Street, after discovering possible radionuclide contamination. Yes, shrimp that might be glowing for all the wrong reasons. The products, distributed between July 17 and August 8, 2025, reached nine states across the U.S. While no illnesses have been reported so far, experts warn that long-term exposure could increase the risk of cancer. So, if you’ve got a bag of these shrimp lounging in your freezer, the safest move is to toss them or return them for a full refund.

What happened?

On August 29, 2025, Southwind Foods, LLC issued a recall for several frozen shrimp brands due to potential Cesium-137 contamination. The company identified the issue after the FDA began investigating reports of contamination in Indonesian shipping containers. Products were sold in Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington between July 17 and August 8, 2025. So far, no illnesses have been linked, but the recall is strictly precautionary.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue	States Distributed
Sand Bar	Frozen Shrimp	Various	N/A	N/A	Cesium-137 contamination risk	AL, AZ, CA, MA, MN, PA, UT, VA, WA
Arctic Shores	Frozen Shrimp	Various	N/A	N/A	Cesium-137 contamination risk	AL, AZ, CA, MA, MN, PA, UT, VA, WA
Best Yet	Frozen Shrimp	Various	N/A	N/A	Cesium-137 contamination risk	AL, AZ, CA, MA, MN, PA, UT, VA, WA
Great American	Frozen Shrimp	Various	N/A	N/A	Cesium-137 contamination risk	AL, AZ, CA, MA, MN, PA, UT, VA, WA
First Street	Frozen Shrimp	Various	N/A	N/A	Cesium-137 contamination risk	AL, AZ, CA, MA, MN, PA, UT, VA, WA

What caused the issue?

The shrimp tested positive for possible Cesium-137 contamination, a radioactive isotope. Long-term, repeated low-level exposure can increase the risk of cancer by damaging DNA. While no one has reported symptoms yet (phew), consumers are urged to avoid eating these shrimp. The groups most at risk are people who regularly consume the product, children, and immunocompromised individuals.

Questions you might have

1. Is my shrimp glowing in the dark?
   Probably not, but let’s not test it.
2. Can I cook the radioactivity out?
   Sorry, your oven isn’t a nuclear reactor.
3. What’s Cesium-137 again?
   A radioactive isotope linked to long-term cancer risks.
4. Are all the shrimp recalled?
   No, just the ones under the listed brand names.
5. What if I already ate some?
   Don’t panic. Occasional exposure is low-risk, but contact a healthcare provider if concerned.
6. How can I identify the recalled shrimp?
   Check brand, purchase dates, and freezer stash.
7. Why only certain states?
   That’s where shipments landed, but always double-check your packaging.
8. Can pets eat the shrimp?
   Nope, Fido doesn’t need a glowing snack either.
9. How do I get my money back?
   Return the product to the store for a full refund.
10. Who do I call for info?
    Southwind Foods: 1-323-262-8222 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. PT).

Here’s what you should do

• Do not eat the shrimp.
• Check the freezer labels for the brand names listed.
• If you find them, toss them or return for a refund.
• Questions? Call 1-323-262-8222 during business hours.

Behind the brand

Southwind Foods, LLC, based in Carson, California, imports and distributes seafood products across the U.S. They work with various brands (Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American, and First Street) to supply frozen shrimp nationwide.

Other relevant recalls

• Aquastar recalls Kroger Mercado frozen cooked shrimp over Cesium-137 contamination
• 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
• Aquastar recalls Kroger shrimp products over possible Cesium-137 contamination

“Food safety isn’t just about preventing recalls; it’s about building a supply chain that protects consumers at every step. Companies that invest in quality and vigilance safeguard both their brand and public trust.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights how even popular seafood can face unexpected hazards, from bacteria to radioactive hitchhikers. The food industry must maintain strict safety checks, especially when sourcing internationally, to prevent contamination risks.

For consumers, the message is simple: check your freezer, follow recall instructions, and don’t gamble with your health. Dispose of recalled shrimp safely or return them for a refund.

At Source86, we help brands and businesses secure bulk ingredients, private label services, food safety expertise, and supply chain excellence, so your products stay safe, reliable, and trustworthy. Contact us!