The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public warning urging consumers not to eat, sell, or serve certain Great Value raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart. The advisory comes after testing revealed possible contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection first raised concerns when shipping containers at four U.S. ports tested positive for Cesium-137. Subsequent testing of shrimp from Indonesian distributor BMS Foods also confirmed contamination risks, the FDA said in a press release on Tuesday.
No Contaminated Shrimp Reached Consumers
According to the FDA, no shrimp that tested positive for Cesium-137 has entered the U.S. food supply. Despite this, the agency is recommending a recall of all BMS Foods shipments linked to contaminated containers.
The recall covers the following Walmart Great Value frozen shrimp products:
- Lot code: 8005540-1, Best by: 03/15/2027
- Lot code: 8005538-1, Best by: 03/15/2027
- Lot code: 8005539-1, Best by: 03/15/2027
Consumers who have purchased these products are advised to dispose of them immediately.
FDA Actions and Regulatory Measures
The FDA stated that shrimp from BMS Foods violates the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act, as it appears to have been processed or shipped under unsanitary conditions that could lead to contamination.
All shipments from the company are now barred from entering the United States until BMS Foods resolves the violations. Retailers and distributors have been instructed to support recall efforts to remove the affected products from circulation.
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Understanding Cesium-137 and Health Risks
Cesium-137 is a radioactive metal that can cause severe health risks. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), large exposures may result in radiation burns, acute radiation sickness, and, in extreme cases, death.
The FDA emphasized that while no contaminated shrimp have reached consumers, the precautionary recall is necessary to prevent potential health risks.
