Kroger Shrimp Recall: What Shoppers Need to Know About the “Radioactive Shrimp” Scare

If you’ve been hearing buzz about “radioactive shrimp” at Kroger, you’re not alone. The story sounds dramatic—but here’s what really happened, why Kroger fans shouldn’t panic, and what you can do if you recently stocked up on frozen shrimp.

The Facts Behind the Radio Active Shrimp Recall

On August 27, 2025, the FDA announced a recall of approximately 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp (2 lb). These shrimp, imported from Indonesia, were flagged for possible contamination with cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.

• UPC: 011110626196
  
  
• Lot Codes: 10662 5139, 10662 5140
  
  
• Best-By Dates: November 19 or 20, 2027
  
  

The shrimp were sold at Kroger stores across multiple states between July 24 and August 11, 2025.

• The good news?
• No confirmed illnesses.
• No evidence that contaminated shrimp ever reached customers.

Detected radiation levels were far below FDA safety thresholds.

Still, out of an abundance of caution, the recall was issued

The Bigger Picture

This recall is part of a wider issue. Earlier in August, Walmart’s Great Value shrimp and several other store brands were also pulled from shelves due to the same Indonesian supplier.

As a Kroger fan, it’s reassuring to see the company act quickly and transparently. Recalls may sound scary, but they’re proof the safety net is working.

What Kroger Shoppers Should Do

If you shop at Kroger regularly and bought frozen shrimp this summer, here’s what you should do:

1. Check Your Freezer – Look for the Kroger Mercado Cooked Shrimp (2 lb bag) with the codes above.
   
   
2. Don’t Eat It – Even though the risk is low, it’s not worth taking chances.
   
   
3. Return or Dispose – You can safely discard it or take it back to your Kroger store for a full refund—no receipt needed.
   
   
4. Stay Informed – Bookmark Kroger’s recall page for real-time updates.
   
   

A Kroger Fan’s Take

Let’s be honest: “radioactive shrimp” makes for a scary headline, but Kroger shoppers should remember a few key things:

• Recalls like this are rare in the seafood aisle.
  
  
• Kroger has a long track record of quickly responding to FDA guidance.
  
  
• Your loyalty to Kroger doesn’t mean ignoring concerns—it means staying informed and holding the company accountable when needed.
  
  

As fans, we know Kroger values trust. The best way to keep that trust is by being transparent, which is exactly what’s happening here.

Bottom Line

If you bought frozen shrimp recently at Kroger, double-check your freezer and take advantage of the refund policy if your package is part of the recall.

Otherwise, keep shopping with confidence—because one unusual incident doesn’t define the safety of Kroger’s seafood section.

For seafood lovers, this is a reminder that staying informed is just as important as clipping digital coupons.