If you’ve been on social media or paying attention to the news at all lately, you may have noticed a wild, slightly unsettling, and borderline movie-worthy headline: radioactive shrimp being recalled across the country. While it may sound a little bit ridiculous and made up, the headline is unfortunately true. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled several brands of shrimp from Walmart stores across the nation. While the good news is that Tennessee hasn’t been affected by these recalls, it does pose an interesting question. How did radioactive shrimp get into the US, and how do I know if my food is safe to eat? First, let’s clarify some things. The shrimp, which have since been pulled from the shelves and were not sold in Tennessee to begin with, were recalled due to a potential exposure to the element Cesium-137 (or Cs-137). They did not test positive for the element, but they could’ve been exposed to it. According to epidemiologist Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, Cesium-137 is used mostly in medical devices, but trace amounts have been found in the natural environment due to nuclear testing and nuclear accidents. But when in the body, Cesium-137 can damage cells and DNA– eventually leading to cancer when exposed in low doses over time. The main things to be aware of here is that the shrimp haven’t been sold in Tennessee, and the levels of Cesium-137 detected by the FDA are below the “level of concern” for imported foods. So ETSU students, consider yourself safe from radioactive shrimp. While this situation doesn’t affect ETSU students first-hand, it probably has you wondering: is my food safe? Short answer, yes. Since 1906, the FDA has regulated so much of the goods sold in the United States through rigorous testing. Everything from food to cosmetics, over-the counter medications and supplements– these are all things monitored and tested by the FDA. But, even though we have the FDA protecting us from things like radioactive shrimp and salmonella in our pet’s food, it’s still important to be an educated consumer. Most notably, the FDA does regulate dietary supplements and wellness products, but not to the same level they monitor food, cosmetics, and prescription drugs. So if you’re scrolling on Instagram and see an influencer you love promoting a brand new, life changing vitamin, take their advice with a grain of salt. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting something new. Additionally, if a food product or medication you’re consuming seems off, check the FDA’s recall list. If you have a recalled product in your possession, you can get a full refund on it if you follow the proper steps. At the end of the day, be a smart shopper, do your research, and get in touch with the proper authorities if something seems off. FDA recall information can be found by visiting FDA.gov/safety, and if you feel sick, contact your doctor or the Washington County Health Department by calling 423-975-2200. Stay safe this semester!

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