Indonesian Frozen Shrimp Faces Recall in US Market

FDA Announces Recall Due to Radioactivity Concerns

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated a recall of approximately 83,800 bags of frozen raw shrimp imported from Indonesia. The recall, conducted by Direct Source Seafood LLC based in Bellevue, Washington, affects products distributed under the brands Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro. The reason for the recall is the potential contamination with radioactive cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope that poses health risks if ingested.

Indonesian Authorities Respond to FDA Action

The Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has responded to the FDA's announcement, stating that this is not a new issue but rather an old case. Ishartini, Head of the Quality Control Agency at KKP, emphasized that Indonesian shrimp products with proper certification, specifically the SMKHP (Sertifikat Mutu dan Keamanan Hasil Perikanan), are safe and have been entering the US market. She noted that there has been no new notification from the FDA regarding this matter through official channels.

Regulatory Cooperation Between Indonesia and US

Ishartini highlighted that the FDA and KKP's Quality Control Agency maintain official communication channels. Any new findings or issues are supposed to be notified through these official channels and published on the FDA's website. The Indonesian authority has received confirmation that certified Indonesian shrimp products are entering the US market, indicating ongoing trade continuity despite the recall.

Market and Trade Implications

This recall highlights the importance of maintaining stringent quality control measures in seafood exports. While the KKP maintains that certified products are safe, the incident may impact consumer confidence in Indonesian seafood products in the US market. The situation underscores the need for continued cooperation between Indonesian and US regulatory bodies to ensure the smooth continuation of seafood trade between the two countries.