Food Safety Alert: Shrimp products recalled due to health risk

Kroger and AquaStar shrimp products are involved in a national recall. The food is being recalled due to a potential contamination of cesium-137 (Cs-137), which is a man-made radioactive isotope. According to the FDA, the products may have been prepared, packed, or stored under insanitary conditions where they may have become contaminated. The products were distributed to retail stores nationwide and may have been sold in Mesa County. To date, no illnesses or health concerns have been reported in connection to these products. 

Description of recalled products

• Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp (net wt. 2lbs) with UPC 20011110643906 and use by dates ranging from 3/26/27 to 4/24/27. 
• Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp (net wt. 2lbs) with UPC 011110626196 and best before dates of 10/22/2027 and 10/23/2027.
• AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-on Shrimp Skewers (net wt. 1.25lbs) with UPC 731149390010 and use by dates ranging from 11/07/2027 to 11/15/2027.
• Visit the U.S. Food and Drug website for a complete list of recalled products.

What consumers should do

• Consumers should check their freezers for the recalled products and throw them out or return them to the store for a refund.
• Contact a doctor if you have concerns after eating the recalled products.
• Consumers with questions may contact Aquastar Corp at 1-800-331-3440.

Cs-137 description and risk

• Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a man-made radioactive isotope.
• Trace amounts are found worldwide in the environment.
• Higher levels may be present in food or water from contaminated areas.
• The main health concern is long-term, repeated low-dose exposure.
• Over time, exposure can increase the risk of cancer.
• This risk comes from radiation damaging DNA in the body’s cells.

MCPH role in food recalls

There are systems in place to make sure the food people buy and eat is safe. When Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) has been made aware of a product being recalled that could have been distributed in Mesa County, MCPH shares the information so it reaches as many community members as possible.