Radioactive Shrimp Recall Expands: FDA Warns Kroger and Fred Meyer Shoppers

By Charles Zackary King | Inspired by reporting from Chris Bradford, The US Sun

In a chilling development that’s left seafood lovers reeling, the FDA has expanded its warning about potentially radioactive shrimp, this time targeting products sold at Kroger, Fred Meyer, and other affiliated stores. The recall follows earlier alerts involving Walmart and Sam’s Club, and now includes over 60,000 bags of frozen shrimp suspected of contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope known to damage DNA and increase cancer risk.

Among the recalled items:

• Nearly 50,000 bags of Kroger’s Raw Colossal peel shrimp (blue band, best by April 2027)
• Over 17,000 bags of AquaStar tail-on shrimp skewers
• Around 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado medium peeled tail-off shrimp (best before October 22–23, 2027)

These products were sold between June 12 and September 17 across California, Georgia, Oregon, Texas, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Kroger-owned stores affected include Ralph’s, Fry’s, Fred Meyer, and Smith’s.

While no illnesses have been reported, the FDA and food safety experts urge consumers to take the recall seriously. Cesium-137 exposure can cause symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss. Experts recommend:

• Do not consume the affected shrimp
• Do not donate or feed it to pets
• If unopened, keep it sealed and return it for a refund
• If opened, wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds

Walmart previously recalled three types of Great Value brand frozen shrimp with best by dates of March 15, 2027. Arctic Shores and Sand Bar shrimp were also pulled from shelves in August.

Walmart stated:

“We work swiftly to block the item from being sold and remove it from our stores and clubs.”

This isn’t just a food safety issue, it’s a consumer trust issue. As radioactive concerns ripple through the seafood supply chain, the question becomes: how did this happen, and how do we prevent it from happening again?

📝 Original reporting by Chris Bradford, The US Sun. Source: FoodSafety.gov