Walmart Issues Major Recall of Frozen Shrimp Across 13 States Due to Possible Radioactive Contamination—What You Need to Know!

Walmart has issued a recall for frozen, raw shrimp sold in 13 states due to concerns about potential radioactive contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested the recall after finding Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers and in a sample of breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia.

According to the FDA, the products may pose a health risk for people exposed to low levels of Cesium-137 over time. They advise anyone who recently bought this shrimp to throw it away.

Donald Schaffner, a food safety expert from Rutgers University, stated that the risk from the recalled shrimp is “quite low.” Cesium-137 is a byproduct of nuclear activity, including nuclear tests and reactor operations. It’s naturally found in small amounts in various environments, including food and soil.

The FDA noted that the level of contamination detected in the shrimp was below levels that would typically trigger a recall. Nonetheless, avoiding these products could help limit exposure to low-level radiation that may cause health issues in the long run.

The FDA’s investigation revealed that Cesium-137 contamination was linked to products processed by P.T. Bahari Makmur Sejati, also known as BMS Foods in Indonesia. U.S. Customs officials found Cesium-137 in shipping containers arriving at ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia.

When Walmart received these shrimp, some were imported after the initial contamination was detected. Affected products include Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1. These items have a best-by date of March 15, 2027, and were sold in states like Alabama, Texas, and Florida. Customers are urged to discard the shrimp or return them for a refund.

While the immediate risk appears low, this situation highlights the importance of monitoring food safety. According to the FDA, about 20% of all food consumed in the U.S. is imported. This incident raises questions about the effectiveness of current safety regulations and inspection processes regarding imported food products.

For more on food safety procedures, check out the FDA’s guidelines here.

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