In August, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it had detected a small amount of Cesium-137 in one shipment of frozen shrimp imported from Indonesia. Currently, the FDA has classified this as a “potential health concern.”
So, what exactly is Cesium-137?
It’s a radioactive substance that’s mainly a byproduct of nuclear power production. It’s also sometimes used in specialized medical and industrial equipment. While long-term, repeated exposure to Cesium-137 can raise the risk of cancer, the levels found in this shipment were low.
To put it in perspective
- The shipment contained 68 becquerels per kilogram of Cesium-137 (that’s how radioactivity is measured).
- The FDA safety limit is 1,200 becquerels per kilogram — meaning the amount found was far below the threshold for danger.
- In fact, it’s about the same amount of natural Cesium-137 you’d find in a banana.
Why might Cesium-137 show up in the environment at all? Decades-old nuclear testing and accidents like Chernobyl left trace amounts in soil and water worldwide. That’s why tiny, harmless levels can sometimes be detected in food products.
The bottom line: The FDA acted quickly, the shrimp never entered the U.S. food supply, and there’s no risk to consumers.
What You Can Do
- Buy from trusted sources: Stick with well-known grocery stores and brands that follow FDA guidelines.
- Check FDA recall alerts: Visit FDA.gov to stay updated on recalls.
Poison Center Spotlight
Since its establishment in 1959, the Southeast Texas Poison Center has been a vital pillar in public health, evolving to serve 28 counties in the region. Staffed with a dedicated team of nurses, pharmacists, and medical doctors, the center is equipped to provide crucial poison information and assistance to community members facing poison-related emergencies. From drug and plant information to snake and chemical inquiries, drug identification, and general medical guidance, the center is a comprehensive hub for health and safety. In 2023 alone, the center fielded an impressive 46,769 calls from both community members and first responders.
