FDA Investigates Potential Radioactive Contamination in Walmart's Frozen Shrimp
The FDA is investigating reports of potential Cesium-137 contamination in certain frozen shrimp products sold at Walmart stores across 13 states.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating potential contamination of certain frozen shrimp products sold at Walmart stores across 13 states. The concern involves the presence of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in specific lots of Great Value brand raw frozen shrimp.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection detected Cesium-137 in shipping containers from Indonesia at ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah. Subsequent FDA testing confirmed the isotope's presence in a sample of breaded shrimp processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) of Indonesia.
The affected products include 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 Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, ... , and West Virginia.
Consumers who have purchased these products are advised to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
The FDA continues to work with Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to investigate the root cause of the contamination and prevent future occurrences.