Federal regulators have uncovered possible radioactive contamination in Indonesian spices, just as recalls of potentially tainted shrimp continue to expand. The discovery heightens concerns about the origin and scope of these unusual food safety threats.
After Massive Shrimp Recalls, the FDA Finds Radioactive Contamination in Spices Too

Key Takeaways:
- FDA detects radioactivity in spices from Indonesia
- Recalls of tainted shrimp continue to increase
- Concerns arise over the contamination’s true source
- U.S. regulators block imports of suspect Indonesian spices
- Food safety scrutiny intensifies as investigations proceed
Background on Shrimp Recalls
Federal regulators have long been monitoring expanding shrimp recalls. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recalls of potentially radioactive shrimp from Indonesia continue to grow, raising alarms in the seafood market.
Discovery of Radioactive Spices
Now, regulators have discovered a second possible radioactive contamination risk—this time in spices imported from Indonesia. This new finding has “added to questions about the source of the unusual problem,” as officials seek more information on how these products became tainted.
FDA’s Response
In light of these concerns, the FDA “blocked import of all spices from PT […]”—an Indonesian supplier—aiming to prevent further contaminated products from entering the U.S. market. By broadening import restrictions, regulators hope to safeguard American consumers while further testing and investigations are underway.
Ongoing Investigations
While the shrimp issue remains unresolved, the emergence of radioactive spices calls for heightened vigilance. With the cause of contamination still uncertain, regulators and health experts continue searching for explanations and potential connections between these two tainted products. For now, the FDA’s import ban reflects a strong commitment to maintaining food safety standards, as officials strive to trace the contamination’s origins.