(WDNews) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating reports of contamination in frozen shrimp products sold at Walmart after U.S. Customs and Border Protection detected traces of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) in imported shipments.
According to an FDA release, shipping containers that arrived in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah tested positive for the radioactive material. One sample of breaded shrimp showed a Cs-137 level of 68 Bq/kg. The agency said the amount does not pose an immediate health risk but warned long-term exposure could be harmful.
The affected shrimp was processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, a company in Indonesia. While no contaminated products have reached the U.S. market, the FDA said the shipments “may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions” and recommended a recall.
The recall applies to the following Walmart Great Value frozen raw shrimp products:
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Lot code 8005540-1, Best by 3/15/2027
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Lot code 8005538-1, Best by 3/15/2027
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Lot code 8005539-1, Best by 3/15/2027
The shrimp was sold at select Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
Consumers are advised to throw away any products matching the recall description. Walmart has posted a notice on its website, and the FDA says it is working with Customs officials to block any additional contaminated shipments.
Cs-137 is a byproduct of nuclear fission and has uses in medical equipment and industrial gauges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that inappropriate exposure can cause burns, radiation sickness, or long-term cancer risks.
