FDA Issues Urgent Warning: Walmart Shrimp May Contain Radioactive Cesium

URGENT UPDATE: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just announced a critical warning regarding frozen shrimp sold at Walmart under the Great Value label. These shrimp may carry a risk of radioactive contamination and should not be consumed.

The FDA’s alert comes after detecting Cesium-137 in a shipment from the Indonesian company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, although they confirmed that this specific shipment did not enter U.S. commerce. However, the FDA has recommended that Walmart recall affected products immediately.

Consumers are advised to check for the following lot codes of Great Value frozen raw shrimp, all with a Best by Date of March 15, 2027:

• Lot code: 8005540-1
• Lot code: 8005538-1
• Lot code: 8005539-1

The FDA urges customers who have purchased these shrimp to throw them away to mitigate any potential health risks. Walmart has yet to respond to requests for comments about the recall.

The contamination concern arises from the presence of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope that is a byproduct of nuclear fission. While the FDA reported that the detected levels were around 68 Bq/kg, well below the threshold of 1,200 Bq/kg for “levels of concern,” the agency cautioned that ongoing exposure to low levels of radiation could pose long-term health risks, including an elevated cancer risk.

The FDA stated, “Avoiding products like the shipment FDA tested with similar levels of Cs-137 is a measure intended to reduce exposure to low-level radiation that could have health impacts with continued exposure over a long period of time.”

This urgent warning highlights the potential dangers associated with imported seafood and emphasizes the importance of consumer vigilance. The FDA is closely monitoring the situation as Walmart takes steps to address the matter.

As of now, shoppers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest updates related to this warning and to check their freezers for the implicated products. Further developments are expected as the FDA continues its investigation.

Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent health alert that could affect your family’s dinner plans.