In connection with the news regarding the alleged discovery of radioactive Cesium-137 in frozen shrimp products from Indonesia in the United States, the Shrimp Club Indonesia (SCI) issued the following clarification:
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration, US) reported a Cs-137 level of 68 Bq/kg in one of the shrimp samples in a container owned by PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS).
For information, the FDA’s official intervention limit for Cs-137 is 1,200 Bq/kg. This means that the results of these findings are far below the threshold that is considered risky to consumer health.
Thus, for consumers, the figure of 68 Bq/kg does not pose a direct health risk.
Investigation status in Indonesia
BAPETEN (Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency) is currently conducting an in-depth investigation related to the alleged source of contamination. SCI has been informed that the final report of the investigation is expected to come out later and will be the basis for the government’s official explanation to the public.
In addition to BAPETEN, BRIN, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), and the US Embassy are also involved in coordination to ensure transparent and appropriate handling.
Source of Contamination
Early indications show that the contamination did not come from the shrimp farming process, nor from feed or pond water. This finding is related to PT BMS’s production facility in the Cikande industrial estate, Serang. Thus, this case is incidental and not an inherent problem for the Indonesian shrimp industry as a whole.
Impact on Exports
PT BMS’s exports to the United States are temporarily suspended until the investigation is completed. This case only impacts BMS products in certain batches, not extending to other Indonesian shrimp companies or producers.
Commitment and Coordination
SCI and the Indonesian government will continue to coordinate to maintain the good name and credibility of Indonesian shrimp in the international market. PT BMS itself has stated that it is ready to cooperate fully with the authorities and become a victim of incidents beyond the control of the shrimp industry.
Summary and Conclusion
Indonesian shrimp are safe to consume. The level of Cs-137 found by the FDA in BMS shrimp samples was only 68 Bq/kg, well below the health risk threshold (1,200 Bq/kg). – This case is limited to one company (BMS) and a specific batch, not reflecting the entire national shrimp industry.
SCI has appealed to the public and business actors to remain calm, not to spread misleading information, and wait for the results of the official investigation.
