FDA Warning and Recall Details
Walmart has issued a recall of certain frozen shrimp products in the United States after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected radioactive contamination. The affected products, sold under Walmart’s Great Value label, were linked to a shipment where one sample of breaded shrimp tested positive for Caesium-137, a radioactive isotope. The FDA confirmed that the contaminated sample never reached U.S. consumers, but advised shoppers in affected states to discard shrimp from three identified batches.
States and Products Affected
The recall impacts Walmart locations in 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Customers who purchased recalled shrimp are urged not to consume the product and may return it to Walmart for a full refund. The contaminated shipment originated from an Indonesian supplier, which has since had multiple containers denied entry to the U.S.
Health Risks of Caesium-137
Caesium-137, produced through nuclear reactions, poses health risks through prolonged exposure, which can damage living cells and increase cancer risk. Although the FDA stated that the levels found in the tested shipment were not high enough to cause immediate harm, it emphasized that long-term exposure could be dangerous. The isotope has been associated with past nuclear disasters, including Chernobyl in Ukraine and Fukushima in Japan. The FDA noted no further contamination was found in additional samples, but cautioned that risk could not be entirely ruled out.
Walmart and FDA Response
A Walmart spokesperson said the company acted swiftly, issuing a sales restriction and removing the affected products from its stores. “The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” the spokesperson stated. The FDA continues to investigate the source of contamination in coordination with Walmart and the supplier. Consumers in the affected regions are advised to remain vigilant and follow recall guidance.