FDA Investigates “Radioactive” Walmart Shrimp — You’ve GOT to Read This Before Dinner

Major Alert: The FDA has sounded the alarm over certain Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart, warning the public not to eat, sell, or serve it due to possible contamination with the radioactive isotope Cesium-137 (Cs-137).(The Washington Post, People.com, Food & Wine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

What’s Going On?

• Detection & Testing: U.S. Customs and Border Protection detected Cs-137 in shipping containers arriving at ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah. The FDA then conducted tests and confirmed Cs-137 in at least one sample of breaded shrimp imported by Indonesia’s PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods).
• Product Recall: Walmart has voluntarily recalled three specific lot codes of its Great Value frozen raw shrimp:
  • Lot Codes: 8005540-1, 8005538-1, 8005539-1
  • Best-by Date: March 15, 2027
• Where Affected: These products were sold in Walmart stores across 13 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.

Health Risks

• The level of Cs-137 detected was well below the FDA’s Derived Intervention Level and would not cause acute radiation sickness, but long-term, repeated exposure could raise the risk of cancer due to DNA damage.
• The FDA highlighted that the shrimp may have been “prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions, possibly leading to contamination.”

What Should You Do?

• If you bought these shrimp: Do not eat or serve them. Throw them away or return them to Walmart for a refund.
• Walmart’s stance: The retailer stated, “The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” adding that the product has been removed from affected stores, and they’re working with the supplier to investigate.
• FDA Actions:
  • Import alert issued to block further products from BMS Foods entering the U.S.
  • Ongoing investigation in coordination with Indonesian seafood authorities.
• If you’re worried about exposure or symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.

Quick Table Summary

Final Thoughts

This situation may feel surreal—“radioactive shrimp,” indeed—but immediate health risks are low if consumed, though the focus is on preventing long-term exposure. The FDA’s quick action, Walmart’s recall, and stringent customs enforcement reflect how seriously authorities are treating food safety—even for deeply buried items like frozen shrimp.

Stay safe, and always check those lot codes before dinner!