FDA Warns of Potential Radioactive Contamination in Walmart's Frozen Shrimp
The FDA has advised consumers to avoid certain frozen shrimp sold at Walmart due to potential contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning regarding specific frozen shrimp products sold at Walmart, citing potential contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. The affected products are Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, all bearing a best-by date of March 15, 2027. These items were distributed to Walmart stores in 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
The FDA's investigation began after U.S. Customs and Border Protection detected Cesium-137 in shipping ... at ports in Los Angeles, Houston ... , and Savannah, Georgia. Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of the isotope in a sample of frozen breaded shrimp imported from PT. Bahari Makmur Se ... also known as BMS Foods, an Indonesian company. While the detected levels were below the FDA's intervention threshold of 1,200 Bq/kg, the agency noted that prolonged exposure to low doses of Cesium-137 could increase the risk of cancer due to potential DNA damage.
Consumers who have purchased the specified shrimp products are advised to dispose of them immediately and not to consume or serve them. Distributors and retailers have also been instructed to remove these products from their inventories. The FDA continues to work with Indonesian authorities to investigate the source of the contamination and has placed PT. Bahari Makmur Se ... on an import alert to prevent further shipments from entering the U.S. market.
Cesium-137 is a ... fission processes and is used in medical devices and industrial gauges. Trace amounts can be found in the environment, but elevated levels in food products are a cause for concern. The FDA emphasizes that avoiding products with detected levels of Cesium-137 is a precautionary measure to reduce potential health risks associated with long-term exposure.
As of now, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled shrimp. Consumers with health concerns related to potential exposure are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers.