FDA Issues Warning on Potentially Radioactive Shrimp Sold at Walmart
The FDA has issued a warning regarding certain Great Value frozen shrimp sold at Walmart, which may be contaminated with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning concerning specific lots of Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart stores in 13 states. The affected products may be contaminated with Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope. The products in question are:
- Great Value Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, 2lb bag, lot codes: 8005540-1, 8005538-1, 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027.
These items were distributed in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
The FDA's investigation began after U.S. Customs & Border Protection detected Cs-137 in shipping containers at four U.S. ports. Subsequent testing of shrimp samples processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati in Indonesia confirmed the presence of radioactive materials. Although no contaminated products have entered U.S. commerce, the FDA advises consumers who have purchased the specified shrimp to dispose of them immediately and refrain from consumption.
Distributors and retailers are also instructed to discard these products. The FDA is collaborating with Indonesian authorities to determine the source of contamination and has placed PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati on an import alert to prevent further shipments into the U.S. until the issue is resolved.
Long-term exposure to low levels of Cs-137 is associated with an increased risk of cancer due to potential DNA damage. Individuals concerned about exposure should consult their healthcare provider. The FDA's investigation is ongoing.