URGENT UPDATE: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just announced a critical warning regarding frozen shrimp sold at Walmart, indicating a potential risk of radioactive contamination. Consumers are advised to immediately refrain from consuming certain lots of Great Value brand shrimp, imported from Indonesian company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati.
The FDA issued this alert after detecting the presence of the radioactive isotope Cesium-137 in a shipment of frozen shrimp. Although the contaminated shipment “did not enter U.S. commerce,” the agency is urging Walmart to recall the affected products as a precautionary measure.
CONSUMERS TAKE NOTE: The FDA specifies that the following lot codes of Great Value frozen raw shrimp are implicated in this warning:
– Lot code: 8005540-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
– Lot code: 8005538-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
– Lot code: 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
Consumers who have purchased these products are strongly advised to dispose of them immediately. Additionally, the FDA has instructed distributors and retailers not to sell or serve these shrimp.
WHAT IS CESIUM-137? Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope produced by nuclear fission, often found in medical devices and as a byproduct of nuclear reactors. While the FDA reports that the detected levels of Cesium-137 in the shrimp were approximately 68 Bq/kg, which is below the threshold of 1200 Bq/kg that raises “levels of concern,” repeated low-dose exposure can still elevate cancer risks due to potential DNA damage.
The FDA emphasized that although the current levels pose no acute hazard, avoiding products with similar low-level radiation is a prudent measure to mitigate long-term health impacts.
This warning comes as consumers increasingly prioritize food safety, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance regarding imported food products. The FDA is actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
For now, anyone who has purchased the affected shrimp should take immediate action to ensure their safety. Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent health advisory.