FDA Shrimp Recall: Radioactive Contamination Prompts Urgent Action on Walmart's Great Value Products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to the public regarding a potential radioactive contamination involving certain Great Value brand raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart. The concern arose after U.S. Customs and Border Protection detected Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers at four U.S. ports. Subsequent testing of frozen shrimp from the Indonesian distributor BMS Foods also yielded positive results for the contaminant.

While no contaminated shrimp have entered the U.S. food supply, the FDA is urging a recall of all BMS Foods products shipped after the containers were found to have Cs-137. The specific products involved include Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp with lot codes: 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, each bearing a best by date of March 15, 2027. Consumers are advised to dispose of these products if purchased.

In a related development, Southwind Foods, a California-based seafood company, is also recalling some of its frozen shrimp products over similar contamination concerns. These products, sold under brands including Sand Bar and Arctic Shores, were distributed to stores in several states between July 17 and August 8.

The FDA continues to work closely with distributors and retailers to manage the recall process. It has determined that BMS Foods' shrimp products violate the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act due to insanitary conditions potentially leading to contamination with Cs-137. Consequently, all products from BMS Foods are barred from entering the U.S. until the company addresses these issues.

The FDA has expanded its recall investigation to include other shrimp products from BMS Foods that are not yet confirmed to be contaminated, due to the nature of the handling conditions that could potentially lead to Cs-137 exposure. Concerns are heightened as the radioactive isotope is known to pose significant health risks with prolonged exposure.

Given the impact of the situation, the FDA's ongoing investigations involve collaboration with Indonesian authorities to determine the root cause of the contamination, ensuring that all implicated products are traced and suitable actions are taken.

Consumers who have purchased these potentially contaminated shrimp are advised to return them to their place of purchase for a refund or to discard them to avoid health risks. The FDA emphasizes the importance of public safety and remains vigilant in monitoring the situation to minimize such risks moving forward.