Southwind Foods recall: quick summary
Southwind Foods, LLC has voluntarily recalled certain frozen shrimp due to possible contamination with Cesium-137, a manmade radionuclide. Distributed between June 24 and September 16, 2025, across 30 U.S. states, these products pose potential long-term health risks. No illnesses have been reported, but consumers are advised not to eat the shrimp and to return it for a refund or dispose of it safely. The FDA is investigating contamination linked to PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) in Indonesia. For more information, contact Southwind Foods or view the FDA recall notice.
Official details
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Recall date: September 23, 2025
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Announced by: FDA
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Company: Southwind Foods, LLC
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Product name: Frozen Shrimp
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Issue: Possible Cesium-137 contamination
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Product details: Bagged frozen shrimp sold under brands Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American, and First Street
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Action: Consumers should not eat the product. Return it for a full refund or safely dispose of it.
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Stick around to find out more about this recall.
What happened?
Southwind Foods, LLC issued a voluntary recall of frozen shrimp due to potential contamination with Cesium-137. The recall was announced on September 23, 2025, after reports of contamination were identified in shipping containers and processed shrimp from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) in Indonesia. The affected shrimp were distributed from June 24 to September 16, 2025, across 30 states. Product details include bagged frozen shrimp, various brand labels, and specific UPCs and best-by dates listed below.
Affected products
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue | Affected states |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sand Bar | Frozen Shrimp | 2 lb | See label | Varies | Possible Cesium-137 contamination | AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY |
Arctic Shores | Frozen Shrimp | 2 lb | See label | Varies | Possible Cesium-137 contamination | Same as above |
Best Yet | Frozen Shrimp | 2 lb | See label | Varies | Possible Cesium-137 contamination | Same as above |
Great American | Frozen Shrimp | 2 lb | See label | Varies | Possible Cesium-137 contamination | Same as above |
First Street | Frozen Shrimp | 2 lb | See label | Varies | Possible Cesium-137 contamination | Same as above |
What caused the issue?
- Type of contamination: Cesium-137, a manmade radioactive isotope.
- Health risks: Long-term, repeated exposure may elevate cancer risk due to DNA damage.
- Groups affected: General population, particularly concerning frequent consumers of the product.
- Symptoms: No immediate symptoms reported; long-term risks are the primary concern.
- Victims confirmed: None reported to date.
Questions you might have
- What is Cesium-137?
It is a manmade radionuclide found in contaminated environments. - Is this dangerous to eat immediately?
Health risk is associated with long-term, repeated exposure. - Have there been any reported illnesses?
No illnesses reported. - Where were the products sold?
Across 30 U.S. states listed above. - How can I identify the recalled product?
Check brand name, UPC, and best-by date on the packaging. - Can I cook the shrimp to make it safe?
No, cooking does not remove radioactive contamination. - What should I do if I bought it?
Do not eat it; return or dispose of it. - How can I contact the company?
Call 1-323-262-8222, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. PT. - Will I get a refund?
Yes, full refund available upon return. - Where can I get more information?
Visit the FDA recall page.
Here’s what you should do
- Do not consume the frozen shrimp.
- Locate the brand, UPC, and best-by date on the package.
- Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of it safely.
- Contact Southwind Foods at 1-323-262-8222 for questions.
Behind the brand
Southwind Foods, LLC, based in Carson, California, distributes frozen seafood products under multiple brand labels, including Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American, and First Street. The company has a history of ensuring product safety through proactive recalls when contamination risks arise.
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
- AquaStar recalls raw shrimp skewers over possible Cesium-137 contamination
- Kroger recalls frozen shrimp products due to possible Cesium-137 contamination
- Aquastar recalls Kroger shrimp products over possible Cesium-137 contamination
“Food safety is paramount. Staying alert to recalls and maintaining supply chain excellence ensures consumers get safe, high-quality products.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring safe eats
Recalls like this highlight the importance of vigilance across the food industry. Companies must act quickly when contamination risks arise to protect consumers and maintain trust. Always check product labels and follow recall instructions. If you have the recalled shrimp, return or safely dispose of it immediately.
For high-quality, safe ingredients, visit Source86’s website to explore our bulk and private label services, or contact our team today to discuss food safety solutions and supply chain excellence.
