Walmart Radioactive Shrimp Recall: FDA Warns 13 States Over Caesium-137 Contamination

Walmart has initiated a recall of certain shrimp products in the United States following the detection of radioactive material in a shipment of seafood. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers not to consume frozen shrimp sold under Walmart's Great Value label due to potential exposure to a hazardous isotope during shipping. One sample of breaded shrimp was found to contain this radioactive substance, although it reportedly did not enter U.S. commerce. Customers in 13 U.S. states—Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia—have been advised to dispose of any recently purchased shrimp products from three specific batches.

A Walmart spokesperson stated that the company's "top priority" is the health and safety of customers, explaining that they have issued a sales restriction and removed the implicated product from the affected stores. Consumers who purchased the recalled shrimp can return them to any Walmart location for a full refund. The shrimp, originating from an Indonesian supplier, was found to contain Caesium-137, a radioactive isotope produced by nuclear reactions. Although the level of radioactive material detected was insufficient to pose an immediate hazard, prolonged exposure could elevate cancer risk by damaging living cells, according to the FDA.

Caesium-137 is commonly found in trace quantities around the planet and is a principal radiation source in areas impacted by nuclear reactors, such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. While no Caesium-137 was discovered in other batches, the FDA has not ruled out potential contamination.

The FDA has been alerted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to potential Caesium-137 presence in shipments at various U.S. ports and confirmed the positive test result of a shipment from Indonesia's Bahari Makmur Sejati, trading as BMS Foods. Affected shrimp products being recalled include Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp with specific lot codes and best-by dates. The FDA recommends discarding any shrimp that matches this description.

Bahari Makmur Sejati is under investigation for possibly preparing products under unsanitary conditions that could have led to the contamination. The company is currently on an import alert, preventing its products from entering the U.S. until the situation is resolved.

Walmart corroborated the FDA's recall by confirming it removed the product from shelves and is collaborating with the supplier to investigate the source of contamination. Despite the detected levels being below the FDA's threshold for concern, extended exposure, even at low levels, can increase cancer risks, according to health officials.

Customers worried about potential exposure to Cesium-137 should consult with healthcare providers. The FDA continues to investigate this incident in collaboration with Indonesian regulatory authorities, ensuring that all implicated products are traced through the supply chain to prevent further risks to consumers.