Walmart Recalls Frozen Shrimp Over Potential Radioactive Contamination

Walmart has issued a recall for frozen, raw shrimp sold in 13 states after federal health officials detected potential radioactive contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers and a sample of frozen breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia. This has led to the recall of three specific lots of Great Value brand frozen shrimp with best-by dates of March 15, 2027. The FDA has advised consumers who purchased the affected products to discard them immediately. While the risk from the contaminated shrimp is considered low, as stated by food safety expert Donald Schaffner, prolonged exposure to low levels of Cesium-137 could pose health concerns. Cesium-137, a byproduct of nuclear reactions, is present in trace amounts globally but was detected at levels below FDA intervention thresholds in this case. The FDA is investigating reports of contamination linked to P.T. Bahari Makmur Sejati, an Indonesian company. U.S. Customs and Border Protection detected Cesium-137 in shipping containers destined for major U.S. ports. Although initial shipments were denied entry, subsequent imports from the same source led to the recall. Walmart acted swiftly to remove the products from stores, and affected lots were sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Consumers are urged to check their products for the specific lot codes and best-by dates, and to return them to any Walmart store for a refund. This recall underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring to ensure food safety and protect public health.

Published: 8/21/2025