KKP Says FDA Approves Four Laboratorys In Indonesia For Cesium-137 Test

Shrimp (photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) said the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved four laboratories in Indonesia to test the Cesium-137 (Cs-137) radioactive matter on shrimp products.

Head of the Marine and Fisheries Product Quality Control and Supervision Agency, KKP Ishartini, said the approval was an important step in supporting the acceleration of Cs-137 free certification services for Indonesian shrimp to be exported to the United States (US).

"This laboratorium has the capacity and competence to carry out Cs-137 testing on shrimp to support Cs-137 free certification services," Ishartini said in his official statement, Thursday, November 13.

He said the Cs-137 free test on shrimp as one of the current export prerequisites to the US could be carried out in four laboratories, namely the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Nuclear Energy Supervisory Agency (Bapeten), ALYPZ and SGS Vietnam.

Ishartini explained that Indonesia's shrimp exports to the US, especially from Java and Lampung, are now required to include health certificates (HC) or quality health certificates with a Cs-137 contamination-free statement.

This provision is effective from October 31, 2025 in accordance with the FDA Import Alert #99-52 or FDA Import Warning.

"The issuance of HC Mutu can only be issued by the KKP Quality Body as the competent authority (CA) recognized by the FDA," he said.

The certification process is carried out through a Cs-137 free scanning and testing with validation from Bapeten and BRIN as nuclear authorities.

The KKP, said Ishartini, continues to coordinate with the FDA and relevant agencies in the country, such as BRIN, Bapeten, Customs and Excise as well as other ministries/agencies to be able to provide excellent services for Cs-137-free certification.

These efforts are expected to increase export capacity while strengthening the acceptance of Indonesian shrimp products in the US market.