FDA Warns Radioactive Contamination in Walmart Frozen Shrimp Across 13 States

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning and recommended a recall of certain lots of Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart due to possible contamination with the radioactive isotope Cesium-137. The shrimp, processed by Indonesia’s BMS Foods, were found to be contaminated following detection of Cs-137 in shipping containers at major U.S. ports, including Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami. Although the detected radiation levels are below intervention limits and no contaminated shrimp have entered the U.S. food supply, the FDA advises consumers to discard affected products to avoid potential long-term health risks such as increased cancer risk from repeated low-level exposure. The recall affects shipments distributed to stores in thirteen states including Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Missouri, among others. The FDA is working with distributors, retailers, and Indonesian regulators to address the contamination source and has banned all products from BMS Foods until the issue is resolved. Consumers who believe they have been exposed to elevated Cs-137 levels are urged to consult healthcare providers.