Indonesia suspends seafood company's operation after radiation detected in products

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) – Indonesia halted production at a seafood company on Friday after the US ordered an investigation and recall of its shrimps due to radiation detected in the products.

The seafood processor PT Bahari Makmur Sejati, also known as BMS Foods, is being investigated for product safety, Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq announced on Friday through the US social media platform Instagram.

"Production activities are temporarily suspended. If possible, the factory should be evacuated for safety,” Hanif said in a video on Instagram.

Acting quickly is critical to preserving "Indonesia's credibility in international eyes," he added.

On Thursday, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised the public not to eat, sell, or serve the company's imported frozen shrimp.

"Frozen shrimp imported from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati is in violation of the Federal FD&C Act," the FDA said in a statement.

"A recall has been added. FDA’s investigation is ongoing," it added.

The investigation was launched after a radionuclide (cesium-137) was discovered in a single shipment of imported frozen shrimp from the company.

Cesium-137 contamination is a man-made radioisotope of cesium produced through nuclear fission.

The administration noted that the contamination level found in the shipment was below the intervention level for the radionuclide. However, it stated that the measure is "intended to reduce exposure to low-level radiation that could have health impacts with continued exposure over a long period of time."