Thailand to Host 25th Global Seafood Alliance Responsible Seafood Summit

The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) is set to host its 25th annual Responsible Seafood Summit at the prestigious Shangri-La Bangkok, a 5-star luxury hotel in Thailand, known as one of the world's leading regions for shrimp production.

Scheduled for the week of September 21, 2026, the summit marks a significant collaboration with The Center for Responsible Seafood (TCRS), infusing the event with the TCRS Shrimp Summit content.

Mike Kocsis, CEO of GSA, expressed enthusiasm for the strategic partnership, highlighting the unique opportunity...

US Congressman Calls for Shrimp Import Pause, Cites FDA Radiation Concerns

Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) called on President Donald Trump to pause all shrimp imports into the US, citing the recent radioactive shrimp concerns raised by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Congressman Higgins wrote, “Radioactive and contaminated shrimp in our country’s grocery stores is a significant public health threat. I have long maintained that imported seafood can be dangerous, and that stronger preventive measures are necessary to ensure tainted products do not reach American consumers.”

“I recommend that you use executive authority to ensure the integrity...

AquaStar Adds to Indonesian Shrimp Recall Wave

AquaStar (USA) again expanded its recall of shrimp products due to concerns over radioactive Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination.

The latest recall, published on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s website on October 17, focused on a “limited quantity” of frozen shrimp imported from Indonesia.

The company noted that none of the impacted products throughout its multiple recalls have tested positive for Cs-137, and no illnesses have been reported.

The impacted products include Best Yet, Waterfront Bistro, AquaStar and Publix-branded items...

Florida Processor Tampa Maid Foods Tied to Ongoing Radioactive Shrimp Recalls Across US

Tampa Maid Foods, a Florida-based seafood processor, is the latest company to be linked to the radioactive shrimp recalls impacting a litany of companies in the US.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Health and Human Services (MDHHS) highlighted the multiple recalls linked to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s advisory of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination in Indonesian shrimp, with Tampa Maid Foods included.

MDARD cited an FDA enforcement report that said Tampa Maid Foods...

Gorton's Opens New Factory as Nissui Expands North American Seafood Footprint

Gorton's, a leading North American seafood brand and subsidiary of Japan's Nissui Group, has opened a new factory in Lebanon, Indiana, marking a significant expansion of Nissui's North American operations and reinforcing its global growth strategy.

Gorton's Gloucester, Massachusetts, facility will remain its primary production site, while the Indiana factory will increase its capacity to meet growing demand. The new facility will also allow the company to produce further value-added products and improve production lines, allowing for increased "supply chain flexibility...

Sea Port Products Adds to Recalls Linked to Radioactive Contamination in Indonesian Shrimp 

Sea Port Products Corp., of Kirkland, Washington recalled “very small volumes” to retailers in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Montana, Oregon, Washington State and American Samoa, over Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination concerns.  

The recall notice published on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, stated that a limited amount of Sea Port brand bagged Frozen Raw Easy Peel White Shrimp Jumbo size 16/20 count/lb was distributed to small retailers in the aforementioned location. 

Here’s a breakdown of the impacted products...

AquaStar Expands Cs-137 Shrimp Recall; About 85,000 Bags of Shrimp Impacted

AquaStar announced it has recalled about 85,000 bags of shrimp products over potential cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination.

The recall focused on Kroger raw and cooked products, along with AquaStar branded shrimp skewers products sold at Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foodsco, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Jay C, King Soopers, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less Supermarkets, Pick ‘n Save, Ralphs, Smith’s and QFC locations in over 30 states.

Specifically, approximately 49,920 bags (net wt. 2lbs) of Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp, approximately 18,000 bags...

The Retail Rundown: Chicken Promotions Fall Short in “National Month”

Beef and seafood ads were nearly even this week, each accounting for about 25% of featured buying opportunities. Pork and turkey held steady, while eggs gained ground, with the South Central region seeing the most feature activity.

Expana notes that the back-to-school lift in retail shell egg demand has largely passed, with September typically a slower period outside of the early-season bump. 

Despite September being “National Chicken Month,” Expana’s weekly survey found chicken ads down from last week and slightly below late August levels...

Rep. Mace Amendment Would Force Pentagon to Buy Only American‑Caught Seafood

Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would require the Department of War (DoW) to purchase only American-caught seafood.

“For too long, foreign competitors have undercut American workers, threatened our economy, and exploited loopholes in federal law. Our amendment ends it,” said Congresswoman Mace. “If the Pentagon is buying seafood, it will come from American waters, caught by American hands, not from our adversaries.”

Mace’s office noted the Berry Amendment...

Global Seafood Faces "Perfect Storm" of Tariffs and Risk, Rabobank Warns

The global seafood industry is amidst a period of profound disruption, according to the latest Rabobank report.

Seafood producers and exporters are being impacted by tariffs and geopolitical tensions, notably in Asia. Meanwhile, consumers in the Western part of the globe are facing increased prices and reduced availability of seafood staples.

“The seafood industry is navigating a perfect storm of trade barriers, geopolitical risk, and supply chain fragility,” said Gorjan Nikolik, Senior Global Specialist Seafood at RaboResearch. “Strategic diversification—both in sourcing and market access—is no longer optional...

AquaStar Recalls Over 44,000 Bags of Shrimp Over Cs-137 Contamination Concerns

Another shrimp recall is here ahead of the Labor Day weekend.

AquaStar (USA) has recalled approximately 44,000 bags of shrimp products due to the potential contamination with cesium-137 (Cs-137).

The company announced that it has recalled approximately 18,000 bags (net wt. 2lbs) of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp and approximately 26,460 packages of Cocktail Shrimp 6oz.

The impacted Kroger Mercado shrimp were sold at Baker’s, Gerbes, Jay C, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay Less Supermarkets, and...

Ecuador Strengthens Asian Ties with MoC and Trade Agreement with Japan, Korea

Ecuador’s Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade and Investment announced a pair of agreements that the country signed with Japan and the Republic of South Korea.

On August 28, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Ecuadorian Institute for the Promotion of Ecuador (PRO ECUADOR). The agreement focused on bilateral relations in trade, investment, industry and tech.

From an agricultural export standpoint, Ecuador’s non-oil exports to Japan exceeded $332 million. The country shipped over 14,000...

Captain D’s Featuring Batter Dipped Shrimp for First Time

Fast casual seafood chain Captain D’s unveiled a new first in the company’s 55-plus-year history.

The brand launched Batter Dipped Shrimp, marking the first time shrimp will feature the company’s batter. The product is available from August 25 through October 26 for $5.99.

"Our guests know and love the flavor and crunch of our Batter Dipped Fish," said Bindi Menon, Chief Marketing Officer of Captain D's. "With our new Batter Dipped Shrimp, we're giving them that same crave-worthy taste in a whole new way...

Southwind Foods Recalls Frozen Shrimp Amid Radioactive Cs-137 Investigation

Carson, California-based Southwind Foods voluntarily recalled frozen shrimp products linked to the recent concerns over Cesium-137 (Cs-137) radioactive contamination on August 21.

The bagged, frozen shrimp products were distributed between July 17 and August 8 to retailers, distributors and wholesalers in Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington state.

Impacted products included Best Yet cooked frozen shrimp, Sand Bar raw frozen shrimp, Arctic Shores cooked frozen shrimp, Great American Seafood Imports frozen shrimp and First Street frozen raw shrimp...

Louisiana Agents Seize Drugs, Weapons and 1,813 Pounds of Shrimp During Vessel Inspection

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) arrested one individual for alleged drug and firearm violations, with another cited for alleged shrimping violations on August 15 in Iberia Parish.

Rendal D. Jennies Jr., 42, of Houma, was arrested for possession of cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, possession or dealing in unregistered/illegally transferred weapons, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in the presence of a schedule II controlled dangerous substance. He was eventually booked into the parish jail...

Major Indonesian Shrimp Exporter PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati Placed on FDA Red List

PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, the largest Indonesian shrimp supplier to the United States, will be subject to an automatic detention when its products enter the US.

On August 14, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published an import alert that said all products imported by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati would be subject to detention without physical examination. The move puts the firm on the FDA’s “Red List.”

“This Import Alert covers specific firms and their food products that appear to have been prepared, packed, or held...

VARPE, VASEP Pact Aims to Expand Russian Seafood Exports to Vietnam 

Russia and Vietnam have agreed to significantly expand joint fish trade under a memorandum signed by the Russian fish association VARPE and the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) during an international forum in St. Petersburg.

The memorandum commits both sides to expand trade volumes, simplify cross-border procedures, and develop scientific cooperation in the fisheries sector. For Russia, the agreement opens greater access for Russian fishermen and processors to Vietnam’s large and growing seafood market.

Herman Zverev, head of VARPE, said Vietnam...

Indonesia, FDA Reach Deal Allowing ‘Thousands’ of Shrimp Containers to Enter US

Indonesia’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) said that it reached a deal with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow thousands of shrimp containers currently in transit to enter the United States.

KKP said in a press release that the agreement was finalized on October 18 after negotiations over new import requirements tied to FDA Import Alert 99-52. The ministry said the deal permits thousands of shrimp containers already en route to the US to be admitted...

Indonesia Orders Shrimp Firms to Halt Shipments Amid FDA's New Import Certification Rules

The Indonesian government has issued a formal notice instructing shrimp packers in affected areas to halt shipments to the United States, a move prompted by multiple US detections of cesium‑137 (Cs‑137) and coming as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s new import certification requirements and Import Alert 99-52 take effect.

Market sources confirmed the notice to Expana, with suppliers from the Island of Java and Province of Lampung, on the Island of Sumatra, impacted. Sources indicated that multiple suppliers in the affected...

Amazon Rolls Out Private Label Grocery Brand with Seafood Range

Amazon has entered the private label space with a splash. The company debuted Amazon Grocery, a private label brand featuring over 1,000 food items, including seafood, at the start of the month.

The company said the new private label brand will unite customer favorite Amazon Fresh and Happy Belly brands into one collection, available on both Amazon.com and Amazon Fresh stores.

"With Amazon Grocery, we're simplifying how customers discover and shop our extensive private label food selection while maintaining the quality and value our customers expect and deserve...

Japan: August Fishery Products Imports Down 5% to 147,875 MT, the Value Increased 4% to JPY 151.5B

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on September 26, preliminary figures for August fishery product imports (including seafood and seafood preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) showed a 5% year-on-year decrease to 147,875 tons, while the import value increased by 4% to 151.569 billion yen ($1.02 billion). Fresh and frozen tuna imports increased 4% to 16,643 tons, while salmon and trout imports increased 7% to 12,589 tons. However, shrimp imports were down 7%, crab imports were down...

Oregon Pink Shrimp Allies Tell USTR to Open UK Market, End 20% Tariff

The Oregon Trawl Commission (OTC), the Shrimp Producers Marketing Cooperative (SPMC) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) penned a letter to the US Trade Representative (USTR), urging the Trump administration to secure reliable access to the United Kingdom market for Oregon pink shrimp harvesters.

“The UK is one of the major global markets for coldwater shrimp, and UK consumers place great value on quality and sustainability, making it an ideal market for the MSC-certified Oregon pink shrimp...

Target Good & Gather Burrito Bowls Recalled Due to Undeclared Shrimp

About 57,240 Good & Gather Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl Blend bags sold at Target nationwide are being recalled after shrimp was detected but not listed on the label, the FDA said in a Sept. 10 announcement.

One Frozen, LLC of Rochester, NY, voluntarily recalled certain lots of the Good & Gather brand product because they may have undeclared shrimp. In total, 57,240 consumer units were listed on the recall.

The impacted products were distributed through Target retail stores nationwide in all 50 states...

Suempol Revives Shrimp Heritage with Acquisition of Belgian Processor Van Biesen & Pieters

Major smoked salmon producer Suempol said it would be returning to its roots with the acquisition of Belgian shrimp processor Van Biesen & Pieters, based in Sint-Gillis-Waas.

Van Biesen & Pieters is a processor and distributor of shrimp products, which will help expand Suempol's current product offerings. Suempol noted that it got its start in the 1980s as a processor and exporter of shrimp products to the Netherlands and Belgium.

The newly acquired Van Biesen & Pieters began operating in the 1940s...

FDA Finds 36% of Frozen Seafood Samples Short-Weighted; All Violations Detained at US Border

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unveiled results from a sampling assignment focused on testing imported frozen seafood products for short weighting.

The FDA said short weighting can occur in frozen seafood products when the net weight includes the weight of the added water glaze or ice. The addition of water glaze or ice is a common practice to help protect from freezer burn during storage.

However, overstating the net weight of frozen seafood by including the weight of glazing (ice) is not permitted...

Global Seafood Alliance Bans Eyestalk Ablation for BAP Shrimp Suppliers by 2030

The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) announced that it will require all shrimp producers certified to its Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) standards to cease eyestalk ablation, or stop sourcing shrimp postlarvae from hatcheries that use the practice, by the end of 2030.

Eyestalk ablation has become a contentious issue as it involves “the pinching, cauterizing or surgical removal of a broodstock female shrimp’s eyestalk” as a breeding technique that prompts the spawning process. For nearly 40 years, this has been a standard practice within the industry.

The Retail Rundown: Labor Day Protein Promotions at a Glance

Seafood leads Labor Day protein promotions, accounting for 27.1% of total ad volume. Pork follows at 23.2%, with beef and chicken each capturing about 22%. Retail buying opportunities for turkey held steady at 3.5%, while promotional activity for shell eggs remained limited.

Back-to-school demand has provided fair to fairly good retail support for eggs, according to Expana, with shelf prices holding mainly steady across most areas in the past month. Last week, white large Grade A eggs were advertised at $4.49 per dozen discounted, nearly $1...

Beaver Street Fisheries Recalls Walmart’s Great Value Shrimp Products Following FDA Advisory

Beaver Street Fisheries recalled Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp as a precautionary measure following the recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory that warned the public not to consume certain shrimp products due to concerns over Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination.

The Florida-based company said the Walmart Great Value brand Frozen Raw Shrimp EZ-Peel & Deveined Tail-On 21-25 Per lb. products were distributed in AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, MS, OH, OK, PA, TX, and...

FDA's Uptick in Indonesian Shrimp Rejections Foreshadowed Recent Radioactive Contamination Alert

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been closely monitoring Indonesian shrimp imports long before its recent advisory regarding potential radioactive contamination of BMS Foods shrimp products bound for Walmart stores in over 10 states.

The Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA), a group representing the US wild-caught shrimp sector and has fought to curb the country’s reliance on shrimp imports, highlighted that the FDA has refused a significant number of entry lines of Indonesian shrimp so far in 2025...

FDA Issues Advisory on BMS Foods Shrimp Sold at Walmart Over Cs-137 Detection

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public advisory warning consumers not to eat, sell, or serve frozen shrimp imported by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods) that is sold at Walmart locations nationwide.

The advisory follows a recent FDA import alert placing several BMS Foods products on the agency’s Red List due to concerns over radioactive contamination, as Expana first reported on August 15.

As of August 19, the FDA said no product that tested positive or alerted...