FDA Issues Warning Over Possibly Radioactive Shrimp Sold at Walmart

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent advisory warning consumers not to eat certain Great Value brand raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart.

The shrimp, imported from Indonesia’s BMS Foods, may have been contaminated with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. While no contaminated shrimp has officially entered the U.S. food supply, the FDA is urging caution and recommending a recall of all affected products.

The FDA’s Advisory

On Tuesday, August 19, the FDA confirmed that testing linked to imported shrimp flagged possible Cesium-137 contamination. U.S. Customs and Border Protection first detected the radioactive isotope in shipping containers at four U.S. ports. Further testing on shrimp shipments from BMS Foods confirmed the contamination risk, prompting the FDA to advise against eating, selling, or serving the affected products.

The Products to Watch For

The warning applies specifically to Great Value brand’s raw frozen shrimp with the following lot codes and expiration dates:

Lot code: 8005540-1, Best by: 3/15/2027 – Lot code: 8005538-1, Best by: 3/15/2027 – Lot code: 8005539-1, Best by: 3/15/2027

The FDA advises that anyone who purchased these products should immediately dispose of them. The agency emphasized that while the contaminated products have not entered the U.S. food supply, it is urging caution until the matter is resolved.

Where the Shrimp Came From

The shrimp was imported from BMS Foods, based in Indonesia, a company now under scrutiny for safety lapses. The FDA stated that while the products that tested positive for Cesium-137 have not reached the U.S. food supply, the presence of radioactive material in shipping containers warranted immediate precautionary action.

Why Cesium-137 Matters

Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a radioactive isotope that can pose serious health risks if ingested. Exposure is linked to organ damage and increased cancer risk over time. The isotope is often a byproduct of nuclear activity and contamination incidents. Even though no contaminated shrimp have been confirmed on store shelves, the FDA emphasized that avoiding any potential exposure is critical.

Walmart’s Response

Walmart has confirmed that the affected Great Value shrimp was sold in select stores. The retailer said it is cooperating with the FDA to remove any potentially contaminated products from circulation and is notifying customers who may have purchased the shrimp.

What Happens Next

The FDA is continuing its investigation into BMS Foods and monitoring seafood imports from Indonesia. Depending on the findings, further restrictions may be placed on the supplier. The incident also raises broader concerns about the safety of imported seafood and how contamination risks are detected at U.S. ports.

Consumers Urged to Stay Alert

The FDA’s warning highlights the need for vigilance when it comes to imported food safety. Even though no radioactive shrimp is confirmed in circulation, the recall of Great Value frozen shrimp from Walmart reflects the seriousness of Cesium-137 contamination risks. Consumers are urged to check their freezers for the affected lot codes and follow FDA guidance to stay protected.