Walmart Issues Urgent Recall of Frozen Shrimp Over Potential Radioactive Contamination
Walmart has initiated a nationwide recall of specific lots of Great Value brand frozen shrimp due to potential radioactive contamination concerns raised by federal health authorities.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has instructed Walmart to remove three batches of the frozen shrimp from store shelves, following the detection of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers and a sample of breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia.
The affected products could pose a potential health risk for individuals exposed to prolonged low levels of Cesium-137. According to FDA officials, continued consumption of these shrimp might lead to health issues over time.
Consumers who have recently purchased the specified frozen raw shrimp from Walmart are advised to discard the products immediately.
The risk associated with the recalled shrimp is considered low, ascertained by Donald Schaffner, a food safety expert at Rutgers University.
Cesium-137 is a byproduct of nuclear reactions, including nuclear bomb detonations, testing, reactor operations, and accidents. It’s prevalent worldwide, with trace amounts found in the environment, including soil, food, and air.
The level detected in the frozen breaded shrimp was substantially lower than FDA intervention levels. Nevertheless, avoiding potentially contaminated products could help minimize exposure to low-level radiation that could cause health problems over time.
The FDA is currently investigating reports of Cesium-137 contamination in shipping containers and products processed by P.T. Bahari Makmur Sejati, operating as BMS Foods of Indonesia. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials notified the FDA about the presence of Cesium-137 in shipping containers destined for U.S. ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia.
FDA officials collected several product samples and detected contamination in one sample of frozen breaded shrimp. The shipping containers and products were denied entry into the United States.
However, upon further investigation, it was discovered that Walmart had received potentially affected products following the initial detection, from shipments that did not trigger contamination alerts. In response, Walmart promptly recalled the products.
The affected lot codes are 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, all with best-by dates of March 15, 2027. The shrimp was sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Consumers should discard the products or return them to any Walmart store for a refund.