Deadly Shrimp Recall in Florida — Walmart Product Found with Radiation Contamination

FDA Issues Recall Warning on Walmart Frozen Shrimp Over Radiation Concerns

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging consumers not to eat, sell, or serve certain raw frozen shrimp sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand after possible contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive material, was detected.

Cesium-137 Detected at U.S. Ports

The warning came after U.S. Customs and Border Protection flagged shipping containers from Indonesia’s BMS Foods that tested positive for Cesium-137 at four U.S. ports. Further testing confirmed traces of the radioactive isotope in samples of frozen shrimp tied to the same supplier.

What Is Cesium-137?

Cesium-137 is a man-made radioactive material.

It is created during nuclear reactions, like in nuclear power plants or when atomic weapons are tested. It looks like a soft metal, but when it breaks down, it gives off radiation.

In small, controlled amounts, Cesium-137 is actually used in medicine and industry. But if people are exposed to too much of it, it can be dangerous. High levels can cause burns, radiation sickness, and even death.

The FDA said none of the contaminated shrimp has entered the U.S. food supply, but it is recommending a recall on all products distributed by BMS Foods after the containers tested positive.

Products Affected by Recall

The following Great Value frozen shrimp items should not be eaten, sold, or served:

• 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

“If you have recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart that matches this description, throw it away,” the FDA stated.

These products were sold at Walmart locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.

Health Risks and Import Ban

The FDA determined that the shrimp violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it may have been processed or stored under unsafe conditions that created a contamination risk.

All shrimp products from BMS Foods are now banned from entering the U.S. until the company resolves the violations.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, high levels of Cesium-137 exposure can lead to serious health risks, including burns, acute radiation sickness, and even death.

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