FDA Blocks Radioactive Shrimp Walmart Imports Amid Contamination Fears

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public advisory against the consumption and sale of certain frozen shrimp products sold at Walmart due to potential radioactive contamination. According to official sources, the shrimp, marketed under the Great Value brand, were imported from Indonesia by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) and recently flagged for suspected contamination with Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope.

The alert originated from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which detected the presence of Cs-137 in shipping containers at major U.S. ports, including Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami. Subsequent testing by the FDA confirmed the contamination in shrimp samples, although none have entered U.S. commerce or reached consumer shelves. The discovery prompted an immediate response to prevent further imports from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati until adequate safety measures are validated.

The FDA specified several affected products, namely the Great Value Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, identifiable by lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, with a best-by date of March 15, 2027. These were distributed across Walmart locations in thirteen states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.

While the detected radiation levels were below the FDA's immediate danger threshold, prolonged exposure to low-dose radiation present in contaminated products could elevate cancer risks by causing DNA damage. In response, the FDA strongly advises disposing of the shrimp and refraining from consumption.

In compliance with safety regulations, the agency has placed BMS Foods under an import alert, prohibiting the entry of products until contamination concerns are resolved. This move underscores the critical need for maintaining high food safety standards and rigorous quality checks across the supply chain to prevent potential health risks linked to radioactive exposure.

The comprehensive FDA investigation into this incident remains ongoing, with collaboration from Indonesian seafood authorities to uncover the contamination's origins and enhance the safety protocols for future shipments. Consumers are urged to immediately discard any matching products and consult medical professionals if there is concern over potential exposure.

As part of heightened safety measures, the FDA continues to work alongside distributors and retailers to recall the affected lots and assure no contaminated products reach consumers. This action forms part of its broader strategy to safeguard public health against radioactive hazards in food imports and establish stringent monitoring mechanisms to avert similar incidents.

Through these decisive measures, the FDA reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the food supply, ensuring that consumer products meet all safety standards and that any potential risks are promptly addressed.