The recent rejection of Indonesian frozen shrimp by the United States highlights the seriousness of food safety challenges in fisheries exports. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended a recall of Great Value-branded frozen shrimp imported from PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), after one shrimp sample tested positive for the radioactive isotope Cesium-137 (Cs-137) at a level of 68.48 Bq/kg ± 8.25 Bq/kg. Although this remains below the FDA’s intervention threshold, the finding raises concerns due to potential risks associated with continuous long-term consumption.
Dr. Indun Dewi Puspita, lecturer in Fisheries Product Technology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), emphasized that the case serves as a critical reminder for all stakeholders, from farmers and processors to exporters and government agencies.
She warned that the issue must not be underestimated as it directly affects Indonesia’s global reputation.
“This is a very important issue, particularly in guaranteeing the quality of Indonesian fishery products,” Dr. Puspita said on Thursday (Aug. 21).
From an economic perspective, she explained, the rejection represents a significant loss, as exported products can no longer be utilized.
The impact extends across the supply chain, from production and distribution costs to the credibility of exporters in global markets.
The incident exposes the vulnerability of the food industry when safety standards are not properly met, with the risk of losing export markets becoming increasingly real.
“The losses are enormous, and on the other hand, the Indonesian fishery trade is now being closely scrutinized in global markets. Product quality assurance must be taken very seriously,” Dr. Puspita noted.
International market trust, she added, is a crucial factor.
Strict certification and food safety standards mean that consumers expect products to be safe and pose no health risks.
This case illustrates that even minor gaps in the production chain can have lasting consequences for consumer confidence.
Importing countries are unwilling to take the slightest risk when consumer safety is at stake.
“Quality issues, particularly when linked to hazards, can erode market trust and have lasting impacts on sales value and domestic production,” she explained.
Dr. Puspita further emphasized the importance of transparency and robust traceability systems in restoring global market confidence.
Open information, she said, is key to quickly identifying and addressing problems.
Strong traceability not only accelerates corrective actions but also prevents larger losses from occurring.
By doing so, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to maintaining product quality.
“A fast and transparent response is essential to restore the image and trust of global markets,” she affirmed.
Regarding the source of contamination, Dr. Puspita clarified that Cesium-137 does not occur naturally but is a result of human activities, such as nuclear weapons testing or reactor leaks.
Its long-lasting properties mean it can enter the food chain through contaminated water or aquaculture ponds, eventually reaching shrimp.
This indicates that external environmental factors, beyond the control of farmers, may also impact product safety.
With complex ecological cycles, contamination risks pose major challenges for the fisheries sector.
“Natural cycles can allow this substance to spread into aquatic environments and affect organisms, including shrimp,” she said.
Although the detected level was well below intervention standards, U.S. authorities still opted for precautionary rejection.
The decision reflects the international tendency to prioritize food safety through a precautionary approach.
Dr. Puspita underscored the need for stronger quality assurance and traceability systems within Indonesia’s fisheries industry.
“If quality assurance and traceability systems function properly, potential hazards can be minimized from the outset,” she stressed.
She also pointed out that the case could have a direct impact on domestic shrimp farmers.
Declining local prices and export restrictions may exacerbate the challenges faced by farmers who already incur high production costs, creating new vulnerabilities for small-scale producers.
If left unaddressed, the domino effect of such rejections could disrupt regional economies.
“When prices fall, the losses can be significant for farmers and cultivators, given the high production costs of shrimp,” Dr. Puspita explained.
For long-term solutions, she emphasized the vital role of universities in supporting research, innovation, and strengthening food safety systems.
UGM, for example, continues to develop rapid detection tools and bioindicators to prevent contamination early on.
Universities also contribute through training, outreach, and policy recommendations.
These efforts, she added, prove that collaboration among academia, government, and industry is essential for sustaining global competitiveness.
“Universities play an important role in research, community engagement, and policy development to prevent contamination in fishery products,” she concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: Kompas and UGM Research Team Documentation