Edith Hejberg
A spokesperson warned, “Do not eat or serve this product.”
Walmart has issued an urgent recall for select frozen shrimp products after radioactive contamination was detected in shipping containers.
The alarm was raised when a sample of breaded shrimp tested positive for a dangerous isotope during routine screening. Though that specific batch never entered U.S. commerce, the discovery prompted swift action.
FDA Confirms Presence of Radioactive Material
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the presence of caesium-137 in a shipment from Indonesia.
While the levels found weren’t high enough to cause immediate harm, long-term exposure could increase cancer risks. The agency emphasized the importance of consumer caution.
Affected Product: Walmart’s Great Value Shrimp
The recall centers around Walmart’s “Great Value” label raw frozen shrimp. Consumers who recently bought this product are being urged not to eat it and to either dispose of it or return it to the store for a refund.
A spokesperson warned, “Do not eat or serve this product.”
13 States Potentially Affected
The recalled shrimp was sold in Walmart stores across 13 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
Sales restrictions have been placed on all impacted lots.
Contaminated Shipment Linked to Indonesian Supplier
The shrimp came from Indonesian supplier PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati. One of the company’s shipments was denied entry into the U.S. after testing positive for radioactive contamination.
Several other shipments from the same supplier are also under review.
What Is Caesium-137?
Caesium-137 is a radioactive isotope commonly associated with nuclear accidents and waste. Exposure to it can damage human tissue and increase cancer risk over time.
It’s highly unusual to find traces of it in food imports, prompting heightened concern from authorities.
Walmart Responds to the Crisis
A Walmart spokesperson stated, “The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority.”
The company has removed all affected products from its shelves and is actively cooperating with regulators and the supplier to investigate the incident.
Refunds Available for Customers
Walmart confirmed that impacted customers can receive full refunds, even without a receipt.
Shoppers who believe they purchased the contaminated product are encouraged to bring it back to their local store or discard it safely.
Health Advisory: What You Should Do
The FDA advises anyone who may have consumed the contaminated shrimp to speak with their healthcare provider, particularly if they suspect exposure to elevated radiation levels.
Distributors and retailers have also been told to stop selling or serving the product immediately.
No Immediate Health Threat, But Caution Urged
Although the contamination level was not acutely dangerous, the FDA stresses that long-term health impacts from exposure to caesium-137 remain a serious concern.
Consumers are urged to stay informed and act quickly if they purchased the affected products.
