Two food products in Hawaiʻi stores affected by nationwide recall

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health Food and Drug Branch is alerting residents to two nationwide recalls issued by Southwind Foods for possible cesium-137 contamination and Sprout Organics for elevated levels of lead.

Southwind Foods

Cesium-137, a man-made radioactive isotope and a byproduct of nuclear reactions, was detected in a single shipment of imported frozen shrimp that did not enter U.S. commerce.

However, owing to unsanitary conditions, a recall has been issued for frozen shrimp products originating from the foreign seafood processor.

These recalled products were distributed nationwide, and in Hawaiʻi, the Great American Seafood Import Co. brand 16/20-count frozen shrimp skewers in two-pound packages were sold at local supermarkets such as Foodland. The Food and Drug Branch is working with these stores to ensure that the recalled product is no longer available for sale.

The specific Hawaiʻi recalled product information is below:

Great American Seafood Import Co. Frozen Raw Shrimp Skewers

• PO #: 16379
• UPC: 829944002372
• Item #: 06587
• Reference #: 16379
  • Shrimp size: 16/20
  • Package size: 2-pound bag
  • Best by date: 5/11/2027

Great American Seafood Import Co. Frozen Raw Shrimp Skewers

• PO #: 16380
• UPC: 829944002372
• Item #: 06587
• Reference #: 16380
  • Shrimp size: 16/20
  • Package size: 2-pound bag
  • Best by date: 5/11/2027

Trace amounts of cesium-137 are widespread, and low levels can be found in the environment. Higher levels may be detected in water and foods grown, raised, or produced in areas with environmental contamination. Long-term, repeated, low-dose exposure to cesium-137 may result in an elevated risk of cancer.

To date, there have been no reports of illness or adverse events attributed to the recalled product. The Food and Drug Branch advises consumers to verify if they purchased the recalled product based on the brand name, item description, UPC, and best-by-date markings on the label.

If verified, consumers should not eat the recalled product and instead dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Southwind Foods, LLC, at 323-262-8222 from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. HST Monday through Friday.

Sprout Organics

Sprout Organics issued a recall of its 3.5-ounce Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach pouches because of potentially elevated levels of lead.

The recalled product was distributed nationwide, including in Walgreens retail stores in Hawai‘i and the Food and Drug Branch is working with the local stores to ensure that the recalled product is no longer available for sale.

The recalled product information is below:

Sprout Organics Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach 3.5 ounces

• Best by: Oct. 29, 2025, Lot Code: 4212
• Best by: Oct. 30, 2025, Lot Code: 4213
• Best by: Dec. 4, 2025, Lot Code: 4282
• Best by: Feb. 4, 2026, Lot Code: 4310

Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status and protecting children from lead exposure is important to lifelong good health.

Parents and caregivers of toddlers and young children who may have consumed recalled Sprout Organics Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach pouches should contact their child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood test.

Physicians and laboratories are required to report to Department of Health any person under their care with elevated blood lead levels. To date, no illnesses have been reported due to consuming this product.

The Food and Drug Branch advises consumers to verify if they purchased the recalled product based on best by and lot code markings printed on the bottom strip on the back of the pouch.

If verified, consumers should return the recalled product to their local store for a full refund. No other Sprout Organics products are impacted by this recall. Consumers may contact Sprout Organics at 510-833-6089 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday through Friday or by email at info@sproutorganics.com.