The discovery of traces of cesium-137 at a processing facility in Indonesia has set off alarm bells throughout the global seafood chain. Nuclear and health authorities are coordinating responses as the controls and withdrawals in the United States due to possible contamination in shrimp shipments.
The investigation focuses on an industrial complex in Serang (West Jakarta), where the exporter PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) operated. Initial hypotheses point to a radioactive contamination originating from smelting activities or scrap handling within the same premises.
What is known so far
El International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that it is in constant contact with Indonesian regulators after detecting cesium-137 at a plant that shipped thousands of tons of shrimp to the United StatesAlthough no US investigators have been deployed to Serang, the company involved has withdrawn more than 300 containers who were already on their way.
According to customs data, BMS shipped around 5,5 million kilos en shrimp exports to ports such as Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Savannah during July and August. Customs and Border Protection alerted the FDA detecting the isotope in several containers, which triggered additional controls.
Probable origin of the radioactive material
Preliminary information suggests a focus linked to a foundry plant or scrap metal landfill and recycling at the industrial complex. Specialists do not rule out the possibility that the source is the recycling of old medical equipment containing cesium-137, used in applications such as blood irradiators or cancer treatments, which, if not dismantled properly, can disperse the material.
Experts consulted explain that, in crushing processes without adequate controls, cesium-137 can behave as a substance in the form of salt that is spreads easily by surfaces and work environments. Hence the importance of track, isolate, and clean with specialized equipment to avoid cross-contamination.
How it was detected and what levels were found
The first alerts arose when the US customs identified cesium-137 in containers arriving at four ports. In parallel, the National Nuclear Security Administration deployed emergency teams to determine the extent of the situation in the logistics chain.
In a sample of imported frozen shrimp, around 68 Bq / kg, a value well below the threshold of 1.200 Bq / kg that the FDA is considering when adopting health protections. However, experts emphasize that this presence is unusual in shrimp and that the origin needs to be investigated.
Withdrawals and measures in the United States
La FDA issued an import alert for BMS Foods products in order to block their entry into the country. They were subsequently chained voluntary withdrawals from various manufacturers and distributors linked to that supply, affecting references sold in chains such as Walmart, Kroger and other stores.
Among the most recent actions, Tampa Maid Foods announced recalls of breaded shrimp marketed under brands such as Fleet Admiral o Portico Seafood ClassicThe FDA indicated that none of the batches that triggered alarms or tested positive It was put on sale to the public, although other shipments processed under conditions that allowed contamination may have reached shelves, which is why caution is being exercised.
Affected brands, batches and distribution
In the retail sector, units have been recalled by various operators. Southwind Foods announced the recall of a limited quantity of frozen shrimp due to possible presence of cesium-137, with marketed references such as Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American y First Street.
- Affected brands (according to statements): Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American, First Street, Admiral of the Fleet, Portico Seafood Classic and other distributor labels.
In addition, certain batches of the brand were recalled. Great Value (Walmart), processed by a supplier in Florida, as preventive measure due to the risk of contamination. Some of the affected product was packaged in transparent plastic bags and was distributed between July 17 and August 8 to several states.
- States with distribution according to the notices: Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
Health risks and recommendations
Agencies agree that the immediate risk is with, but not non-existent: prolonged exposure to small doses of cesium-137 could pose a health concern over time. To date, no ill people have been reported from these batches, but caution is urged.
If the consumer has potentially affected products, the most sensible thing to do is do not consume, consult the official FDA notices and follow the retailer or distributor's instructions for safe return or disposal. For future purchases, it's a good idea to review lot numbers and dates in the withdrawal statements.
Next steps in research
Nuclear and health authorities continue sampling for delimit the extension of contamination at source and in the supply chain. In Indonesia, work is focused on identify the exact source (foundry, scrap metal, or recycled medical equipment), implement barriers, and complete the cleanup of the industrial environment before safely resuming activity.
The case of Indonesian shrimp and cesium-137 It reflects how an incident in a single industrial site can have international effects: alerts have been activated, controls in ports have been reinforced and products have been withdrawn as a precaution, all with measurements that, although far below of the regulatory thresholds, require clarifying the origin and closing any possible contamination routes.
