Walmart has initiated a recall of frozen, raw shrimp products sold across 13 states amid concerns of potential radioactive contamination. The recall follows an alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which discovered traces of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers and a sample of breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia.
The FDA requested Walmart to withdraw three specific lots of Great Value brand frozen shrimp from its shelves. The concern arises from the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to low levels of Cesium-137, which can be harmful over time. The affected shrimp products, which feature lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, all carry a best-by date of March 15, 2027.
According to FDA officials, if you have recently purchased the recalled raw frozen shrimp, it is advisable to dispose of them immediately. While the risk from the contaminated shrimp is considered low, expert Donald Schaffner, a food safety specialist at Rutgers University, emphasizes that caution is warranted. Cesium-137 originates from various nuclear processes, including nuclear bomb testing and reactor operations, and is found in trace amounts in the environment, such as soil, food, and air.
The FDA is currently investigating reports related to Cesium-137 contamination linked to shipping containers processed by P.T. Bahari Makmur Sejati, also known as BMS Foods, based in Indonesia. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials initially alerted the FDA after discovering Cesium-137 in shipping containers arriving at U.S. ports, including Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia. The FDA collected multiple product samples and confirmed contamination in one sample of frozen breaded shrimp.
Although the contaminated shipping containers and products were denied entry into the United States, Walmart has acted swiftly upon learning that potentially affected shrimp had still been imported. A spokesperson for Walmart confirmed the recall of the shrimp products, which were distributed in several states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled frozen shrimp are advised to either discard the products or return them to any Walmart store for a full refund. The FDA urges individuals to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated seafood and to stay informed about food safety recalls.
