A major food safety alert has rocked shoppers across the United States after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the presence of radioactive material Cesium‑137 in frozen shrimp distributed by Walmart. The FDA is now advising consumers not to eat, sell, or serve specific packages of Great Value raw frozen shrimp due to contamination concerns.

The shrimp, imported from Indonesia by supplier PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), was processed under what federal officials describe as “insanitary conditions” that likely led to the presence of the radioactive isotope. The issue was discovered during routine inspections by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia.

What is the Walmart radioactive shrimp recall about?

The affected products are 1-pound bags of Great Value frozen raw shrimp, specifically those with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, and a best-by date of March 15, 2027. Although testing confirmed that only one sample showed radioactive contamination, the FDA issued an import alert and advised Walmart to remove the product from its stores.

Walmart has since issued a sales restriction and removed the shrimp from impacted stores. The company said customer safety is a top priority and that they are working closely with the supplier and the FDA to investigate further. Consumers who purchased the affected product are urged to dispose of it immediately and not consume it under any circumstances.

Why Cesium-137 in shrimp is a concern

Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a man-made radioactive material often associated with nuclear reactions. Although naturally occurring levels of Cs-137 are found in the environment due to past nuclear testing, any unexpected presence in food is taken seriously by health officials.

Even at low levels, long-term exposure to Cs-137 may increase the risk of DNA damage and cancer. The FDA sets a maximum acceptable level for Cs-137 in food, and while the shrimp sample was below this threshold, the detection alone prompted immediate action. This approach aligns with strict U.S. public health standards that prioritize prevention over reaction.

How this impacts consumers and food safety

This recall is especially concerning given the widespread distribution of Great Value brand products, which are sold in Walmart stores nationwide, particularly in Southern and Midwestern states. The incident also sheds light on broader issues related to imported food safety, supply chain regulation, and consumer protection.

The supplier, BMS Foods, has been added to the FDA’s “red list,” meaning their products are now banned from entering the U.S. until the situation is resolved.
The FDA has pledged continued coordination with CBP and Indonesian authorities to identify the source and prevent further incidents.

Retailers, distributors, and consumers are all being warned not to sell, distribute, or consume the affected shrimp. While no immediate health effects have been reported, the potential long-term impact of radioactive ingestion makes this recall a high-priority public safety issue.

Walmart radioactive shrimp recall underscores the importance of stringent safety checks on imported food products. The FDA’s rapid response and Walmart’s cooperation reflect a proactive stance toward consumer protection and food safety in the U.S.

For your information:

What should I do if I bought the recalled Walmart shrimp?
Check the packaging for the lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, or 8005539-1. If it matches, dispose of the shrimp immediately. Do not eat it, and contact Walmart for a refund.

Is it dangerous to eat shrimp contaminated with Cesium-137?
While the detected level was below federal thresholds, radioactive materials can be harmful if consumed repeatedly over time. It’s best to avoid any potential exposure.

How did radioactive shrimp enter the U.S. market?
The shrimp was processed under unsanitary conditions in Indonesia. Despite screening, one contaminated shipment entered the U.S., triggering the recall once discovered.

Which Walmart stores sold the affected shrimp?
The shrimp was distributed to multiple Walmart locations across at least 13 states. All impacted stores have removed the product from shelves following the advisory.

Is Walmart the only store affected by this shrimp recall?
At this time, only Walmart stores carrying the Great Value brand shrimp have been implicated in the recall issued by the FDA.