FDA Approved New Certification for Indonesian Food Imports
The FDA has verified updated safety protocols for Indonesian shrimp and spices following radioactive contamination reports.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Organic Food
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has officially approved an import certification program for shrimp and spices coming from Indonesia. This move follows the agency's 2025 detection of the radioactive contaminant Cs-137 in these specific food products.
Why it matters
The new certification program aims to ensure that imported goods meet established U.S. safety standards to prevent the distribution of potentially hazardous products. This oversight was initiated after officials identified radioactive material exceeding safety thresholds in prior shipments.
The FDA completed onsite assessments of 11 processing sites and 3 laboratories in May 2026 to verify compliance with revised safety protocols. These revisions address the 1,200 becquerels per kilogram Derived Intervention Level established for Cs-137 contamination.
The players
Food and Drug Administration
The U.S. federal agency responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of food, drugs, and cosmetics.
Indonesian Food and Drug Authority
The national regulatory body of Indonesia tasked with supervising the safety and quality of food and pharmaceutical products.
Marine and Fisheries Quality Assurance Agency
An Indonesian government entity responsible for overseeing the safety and quality standards of marine and fishery products intended for export.
The details
The FDA required Indonesian authorities to overhaul sampling and scanning procedures after identifying deficiencies in previous protocols. Specifically, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority increased radiation scanning protocols to meet new mandates, while the Marine and Fisheries Quality Assurance Agency refined its shrimp sampling methods. Three laboratories involved in the program now maintain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for radiochemistry to ensure accurate detection of radioactive contaminants like Cs-137.
Timeline
In 2025, the FDA first detected Cs-137 in shrimp and clove imports.
On October 31, 2025, new import certification requirements took effect.
From May 4 to 8, 2026, the FDA performed onsite assessments in Banten, West Java, and East Java.
On October 5, 2026, the FDA released its final report regarding the program.
Health Landscape
The assessment follows the regulatory framework established by Section 801(q) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which mandates certification for specific foreign imports. This action marks a strengthening of enforcement to ensure international supply chains meet U.S. safety benchmarks.
These regulatory changes aim to mitigate the risk of consumers being exposed to radioactive contaminants like Cs-137 in imported seafood or spices. If you have concerns about the sourcing of products in your home, consult the label's country of origin and speak with your doctor if you have specific concerns regarding dietary exposure to radiation.
The takeaway
The FDA now requires stricter certification for Indonesian shrimp and spices to guard against radioactive contamination. Awareness of product origin and current import alerts can help you make informed decisions about your household food purchases.
Further reading
For broader information on international safety standards, visit our Organic Food section.
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Do you trust the government to adequately monitor imported food for radioactive contamination?
