AquaStar Recalls Kroger ‘Mercado’ Frozen Shrimp Over Possible Cesium-137 Risk, FDA Says

AquaStar (USA) Corp. is recalling roughly 18,000 two-pound bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp after the product “may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions” that could have led to contamination with the radioactive isotope cesium-137, according to a company announcement posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. No illnesses have been reported. [oai_citation:0‡U.S. Food and Drug Administration](https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/aquastar-usa-corp-recalls-kroger-mercado-frozen-cooked-shrimp-because-possible-health-risk?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery)

The recalled shrimp—sold between July 24 and Aug. 11 at Kroger-affiliated banners including Baker’s, Gerbes, Jay C, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less, and Pick ’n Save across 17 states (including VA)—carries UPC 011110626196 with lot codes 10662 5139 (Best Before 11/19/2027) and 10662 5140 (Best Before 11/20/2027). Consumers should not eat the product and may discard it or return it for a refund. [oai_citation:1‡U.S. Food and Drug Administration](https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/aquastar-usa-corp-recalls-kroger-mercado-frozen-cooked-shrimp-because-possible-health-risk?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery)

What’s next: FDA says it is continuing an investigation into shrimp processed by Indonesia-based PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) and noted in an Aug. 19 advisory that any shipments testing positive for Cs-137 have been denied entry to U.S. commerce. [oai_citation:2‡U.S. Food and Drug Administration](https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-public-not-eat-sell-or-serve-certain-imported-frozen-shrimp-indonesian-firm?utm_source=chatgpt.com)