What is cesium 137? FDA detects radioactive contamination in second product
Possible radioactive contamination detected in spices
- US federal regulators have detected possible radioactive contamination, specifically cesium 137, in a second food product, imported from Indonesia.
- This follows an import alert in August for shrimp from PT Bahari Makmuri Sejati, also known as BMS Foods, with the latest detection in cloves from PT Natural Java Spice.
- Cesium 137 is a radioactive isotope, a byproduct of nuclear reactions, and while trace amounts are common, the detected levels in these products are a concern.
- No contaminated food has been released for sale in the US, but hundreds of thousands of packages of imported frozen shrimp have been recalled due to potential contamination during manufacturing.
- The source of the contamination is under investigation, with possibilities including contaminated scrap metal or recycled medical equipment, and long-term exposure to even low levels could pose health risks.