The ministry stated that domestically farmed shrimp is safe for consumption.
“The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries guarantees that the upstream sector of Indonesia’s shrimp production chain is safe from radioactive contamination,” said Head of the Ministry’s Marine and Fisheries Product Quality Control and Supervision Agency Ishartini in a statement on Saturday.
The reassurance comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently detected traces of radioactive Cesium-137 in a shipment of frozen shrimp exported from Indonesia, prompting import restrictions and recalls.
She explained that the ministry, in collaboration with the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), conducted a joint investigation in mid-August 2025. The inspection covered shrimp ponds, hatcheries, and fish processing units (UPI)
The investigation covered various points along the shrimp production chain, including ponds, hatcheries, and fish processing units (UPI).
“Field and laboratory tests on shrimp, water, and pond sediment samples found no traces of Cesium-137 in the cultivation ponds or hatcheries,” Ishartini stated.
To reinforce public confidence in the safety and quality of shrimp products—and to raise awareness that shrimp are cultivated in environments free from radioactive contamination—the ministry launched an initiative titled Lunch with Shrimp from the Pond.
“This nationwide shrimp-eating campaign was joined by more than 1,000 participants across Indonesia to dispel rumors of contamination,” she added.
The ministry also urged the public and businesses not to hesitate in purchasing shrimp from local farmers, emphasizing that empirical evidence confirms the absence of Cesium-137 contamination.
“All relevant units within the ministry are working together to ensure the sustainability of the national shrimp industry,” Ishartini said.
Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono previously stressed that the ministry enforces strict and consistent quality assurance measures to guarantee safe and high-quality products.
In response to concerns about Cesium-137, the ministry has coordinated with Bapeten to ensure appropriate follow-up and continued monitoring.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Katriana
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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