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Radioactive Shrimp Recall: FDA Issues Urgent Warning

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ive-shrimp-recall-fda-issues-urgent-warning.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, December 27th 2025 at 18:03 GMT by Patch

Holiday Hazards: A Roundup of Recent Recalls – From Radioactive Shrimp to Chocolate Concerns

The holiday season, often associated with feasts and celebrations, has unfortunately been punctuated by a series of product recalls impacting consumers across the United States. From potentially radioactive seafood to chocolate tainted with metal fragments, these recalls highlight the importance of staying informed about potential hazards in the food we consume and the products we use. This article summarizes several significant recent recalls, outlining the risks involved and what steps consumers should take.

The Radioactive Shrimp Scare: A Serious Contamination Issue

Perhaps the most alarming recall on the list involves Atlantic Seafood Company's frozen shrimp. In late November 2023, the FDA issued a Class I recall for approximately 84,000 pounds of frozen cooked shrimp due to potential contamination with radioactive iodine-131. This is classified as a "serious health hazard" because exposure to high levels of radiation can lead to thyroid problems and other adverse effects. The source of the contamination remains under investigation, but it's believed to stem from processing equipment used at the company’s facility in Panama.

The recalled shrimp was sold under various brand names including Atlantic Seafood Company, Cape Cod Bay Shrimp, and others (see the FDA recall notice for a comprehensive list). The product codes and dates are also crucial for identification; consumers should carefully check these details. While the levels of iodine-131 detected were initially low, subsequent testing revealed higher concentrations in some samples, prompting the escalated Class I recall. This classification signifies that the product poses a substantial probability of causing adverse health consequences or death. The FDA is urging consumers who have purchased this shrimp to immediately discard it and not consume it. Retailers are instructed to remove the product from their shelves. This incident underscores the potential for unexpected contaminants to enter the food supply chain, even in seemingly simple products like frozen seafood.

Chocolate Concerns: Metal Fragments Pose a Choking Hazard

Several chocolate manufacturers have also issued recalls recently due to the presence of metal fragments. Ferrara Candy Company recalled certain lots of Keebler Fudge Stripes Minis Chocolate Covered Graham Cookies and Mother’s Mini Fudge Stripes cookies after consumer complaints about finding small pieces of metal within the products. The affected products were distributed nationwide, impacting a wide range of retailers. While the metal fragments aren't believed to be radioactive or toxic, they present a significant choking hazard, particularly for young children.

Ferrara Candy Company initiated the recall proactively following these reports and is working with its suppliers to identify and correct the manufacturing process that led to the contamination. Consumers who have purchased the recalled cookies are advised to return them to the store for a refund or contact Ferrara directly for replacement products. This type of recall, while less serious than the radioactive shrimp incident, highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining quality control within food production facilities.

Other Notable Recalls: From Dog Treats to Batteries

The Patch article also details several other recalls worth noting:

• Blue Ridge Nutrition’s “Happy Howl” Dog Treats: These treats were recalled due to containing a potentially harmful ingredient, xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death. This recall serves as a critical reminder for pet owners to carefully review the ingredients list of all dog treats before feeding them to their pets.
• Energizer Batteries: Certain lots of Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries were recalled due to a risk of leakage, which could cause burns or damage to devices. While lithium battery recalls are relatively common, it's crucial for consumers to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage and disposal.
• Canned Peaches from Del Monte: A recall was issued for Del Monte Canned peaches due to concerns about potential contamination with Salmonella. This highlights the importance of checking lot numbers and dates on canned goods, even those seemingly shelf-stable.

Why These Recalls Matter: Consumer Safety & Vigilance

These recent recalls serve as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with mass food production and distribution. While manufacturers strive to maintain quality control, errors can occur, leading to potentially dangerous situations for consumers. The FDA's recall system is designed to address these issues swiftly, but it relies on consumer awareness and vigilance.

What Consumers Should Do:

• Stay Informed: Regularly check the FDA’s website (www.fda.gov) and other reliable sources like Patch.com for updated recall information.
• Check Product Labels: Carefully examine product labels, including brand names, lot codes, and expiration dates.
• Discard Recalled Products: If you suspect you have a recalled product, do not consume it or use it. Dispose of it properly and contact the manufacturer or retailer for instructions.
• Report Concerns: If you believe you have experienced an adverse health event related to a food product, report it to the FDA’s MedWatch program.

The holiday season should be filled with joy and celebration, not worry about contaminated products. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, consumers can protect themselves and their families from potential harm. The ongoing investigations into these incidents will hopefully lead to improved safety measures and prevent similar occurrences in the future.