Shoppers Beware From The Radioactive Shrimp! Walmart Recalls Popular Frozen Seafood In 13 States

Walmart has recalled certain lots of its frozen, raw shrimp sold across 13 states after federal officials detected traces of radioactive contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that the shrimp may contain Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, and urged consumers to dispose of the affected products immediately.What Triggered the RecallThe FDA said it asked Walmart to pull three lots of its Great Value brand frozen shrimp from store shelves after routine inspections revealed contamination. The agency detected Cesium-137 in both shipping containers and in a sample of frozen breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia.Although the levels found were far below the FDA’s intervention threshold, officials said the recall was issued as a precaution. The contamination was linked to products processed by P.T. Bahari Makmur Sejati, operating as BMS Foods of Indonesia. U.S. Customs and Border Protection first raised the alarm after detecting Cesium-137 in containers arriving at ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia.Potential Health ConcernsCesium-137 is a byproduct of nuclear activity, including weapons testing, nuclear power plant operations, and accidents. While trace amounts of the isotope are already present in the environment, including soil and food, prolonged exposure can increase the risk of health problems.ALSO READ: Are Power Plant Emissions Really Not Dangerous, As The EPA Claims?“The risk from the recalled shrimp is quite low,” said Donald Schaffner, a food safety expert at Rutgers University. Still, FDA officials emphasized that minimizing unnecessary exposure is important. “If you have recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart that matches this description, throw it away,” the agency said in a statement.What Consumers Should Look ForThe recall applies specifically to Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp with the following lot codes:8005540-18005538-18005539-1All three carry best-by dates of March 15, 2027. The products were distributed in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.Customers who purchased the shrimp can return them to any Walmart store for a full refund, or simply discard them.How the Contamination Was FoundFDA investigators collected several samples following the customs alert and discovered one contaminated batch of breaded shrimp. The containers flagged at the ports were denied entry into the U.S. But officials later learned that Walmart had received products from shipments that slipped through without triggering contamination warnings.As a result, Walmart moved quickly to issue a recall. “As soon as we were made aware of the FDA findings, we took immediate action to remove the affected products from our stores,” a Walmart spokesperson said.Read more news on food recallsWhy Cesium-137 Raises Red FlagsCesium-137 has been a global concern since the mid-20th century when nuclear testing and accidents released it into the environment. Unlike naturally occurring elements, Cesium-137 is man-made and has a half-life of about 30 years, meaning it can persist in ecosystems for decades.Ingesting contaminated food over time, even at low levels, could contribute to radiation exposure. While the FDA stressed that the amounts detected in the shrimp were well below harmful levels, experts say cumulative exposure is worth avoiding.A Precautionary StepThe FDA said its investigation into BMS Foods of Indonesia is ongoing, with inspectors reviewing shipping and production practices. The agency also assured the public that the contamination detected does not represent a widespread risk to the U.S. food supply.“Consumers should understand that this is not a major food safety crisis,” Schaffner noted. “It is a targeted recall, and the system worked as it should to identify, contain, and address the issue.”What Happens NextFor now, the FDA continues to monitor imports from the supplier and will take further steps if necessary. Walmart has pledged full cooperation with regulators and stressed that customer safety is its priority.While the health risk is considered minimal, officials say the recall underscores the importance of vigilance in food safety systems. By acting quickly, they hope to reassure consumers and prevent long-term exposure to contaminants that could pose problems over time.

Shoppers Beware From The Radioactive Shrimp! Walmart Recalls Popular Frozen Seafood In 13 States

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