U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-AL, has joined U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-LA, in raising concerns about the potential health risks associated with imported shrimp that may contain radioactive contaminants.

The senators recently sent letters to the Global Seafood Alliance, Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council seeking information and expressing concerns about imported seafood safety.

According to the senators, America’s growing dependence on imported food products, particularly seafood, could pose risks to consumers. Between August and October 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued eight safety alerts involving imported shrimp that was potentially contaminated with Cesium-137, a radioactive substance linked to serious health concerns, including cancer.

The senators also argued that increased reliance on imported food products has reduced transparency for consumers. In their letters, they noted that the United States imported approximately $213 billion in agricultural products in 2024 and that Americans spent more than $550 billion on food and beverage products that were imported or contained imported ingredients.

They further cited a recent Government Accountability Office finding estimating that the Food and Drug Administration conducted about 1,000 inspections of foreign food facilities in the final year of the Biden administration despite roughly 125,000 facilities being subject to FDA oversight.

Tuberville and Cassidy said the incidents highlight broader concerns about food safety and the oversight of imported seafood entering the United States.

“We have experienced a serious increase in food safety incidents as a result of imported food products, specifically with regards to imported seafood,” the senators wrote. “Ensuring that American families have access to safe, quality food is essential to empower consumers to live healthier lives and support local American businesses.”

The senators’ letters were sent to three organizations involved in seafood certification and sustainability standards: the Global Seafood Alliance, Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council.

Copies of the letters are available at www.tuberville.senate.gov.