Radioactive Shrimp and the Future of FDA Oversight

Today, we’re diving into a story that’s been making waves: radioactive shrimp. It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s very real. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents recently intercepted multiple shipments of cloves and frozen shrimp from two Indonesian islands—Java and Sumatra—that tested positive for Cesium-137. So what comes next?

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• FDA Wields Additional Import Power for First Time

About the author

• Andrew R. de Holl

Transcript

Welcome to Womble Perspectives, where we explore a wide range of topics, from the latest legal updates to industry trends to the business of law. Our team of lawyers, professionals and occasional outside guests will take you through the most pressing issues facing businesses today and provide practical and actionable advice to help you navigate the ever changing legal landscape.

With a focus on innovation, collaboration and client service. We are committed to delivering exceptional value to our clients and to the communities we serve. And now our latest episode.

Host 1:

Welcome back to Womble Perspectives, where we break down the legal and regulatory landscapes shaping our world. Today, we’re diving into a story that’s been making waves: radioactive shrimp. Yes, you heard that right. Today’s all about shrimp contaminated with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.

Host 2:

It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s very real. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents recently intercepted multiple shipments of cloves and frozen shrimp from two Indonesian islands—Java and Sumatra—that tested positive for Cesium-137.

Now, Cesium-137 isn’t just any contaminant. It’s a radioactive isotope linked to cancer and other serious health issues. So naturally, the FDA stepped in—and they didn’t just issue a warning. They took a bold new step.

Host 1:

Right. On October 3rd, the FDA issued Import Alert 99-52. This alert doesn’t just target the contaminated shipments—it covers all shrimp and spices from those two islands. And it allows the FDA to do something called “detention without physical examination.”

Host 2:

Which means they can stop future shipments at the border without even testing them—just based on past contamination. But here’s the twist: for the first time ever, the FDA is requiring something called import certification.

Host 1:

So let’s break that down. What exactly is import certification?

Host 2:

It’s a tool that lets the FDA demand specific food safety measures—like audits of foreign companies and pre-shipment testing. And these measures have to be documented and verified either by a foreign government agency or an FDA-accredited third party.

Host 1:

And that’s not a small thing. It’s not just testing a few boxes, it’s about proving that the entire supply chain is safe. And the FDA can keep these requirements in place until they’re satisfied that the contamination issue has been fully resolved.

Host 2:

Import Alert 99-52 also introduces two lists: the Red List and the Yellow List. The Red List names two Indonesian companies whose products were found to be radioactive. Their shipments are banned until they get certified that the root cause has been fixed and preventive measures are in place.

And the Yellow List? That’s even broader. It covers all shrimp and spices from Java and Sumatra. Every shipment from those regions now needs a certification from the Indonesian government confirming it’s free of Cesium-137—even if it’s not from a company on the Red List.

Host 1:

So this isn’t just about punishing a few bad actors. It’s about tightening the entire system. And the FDA didn’t roll this out quietly—they issued a press release and launched a new web page explaining how import certification works.

Which suggests they’re planning to use this tool more often. It’s a signal to the industry: be ready for more rigorous oversight.

Host 2:

Exactly. And while we don’t yet know how strict the FDA will be—or how costly and time-consuming this process might become—it’s clear that this marks a shift in how the agency handles food safety risks in imported goods.

Host 1:

So, what should businesses be doing right now?

Host 2:

They should start by understanding what import certification entails. Know what the FDA can require, how to respond, and what documentation might be needed. If you’re in the food import business, this could affect you—even if you’re not dealing with shrimp or spices.

Host 1:

It’s a wake-up call. The FDA is showing it’s willing to use every tool at its disposal to protect public health—and that includes reshaping how imported food is monitored and approved.

Host 2:

And that’s something we’ll be watching closely. Thanks for joining us on Womble Perspectives. If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe and share it with your colleagues.

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