Walmart pulled frozen shrimp from stores in 13 US states after a shipment showed traces of radioactive Cesium-137. Getty Images
Walmart has pulled shrimp products from stores in 13 US states after tests found possible radioactive contamination. The recall involves frozen shrimp sold under the Great Value brand.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that one sample of breaded shrimp tested positive for Cesium-137, a radioactive substance. Officials said that this sample never reached store shelves.
Warning for Shoppers
Consumers are advised to throw away any recently purchased Walmart shrimp that matches the recalled description. Authorities warn people not to cook, eat, or serve these products.
The recalled shrimp was sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Shoppers in these states are urged to stay alert.
Walmart’s Response
A Walmart spokesperson addressed the issue, saying, "The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. We have issued a sales restriction and removed this product from our impacted stores. We are working with the supplier to investigate."
Walmart also confirmed that customers who purchased the recalled shrimp can return it to any store for a full refund.
Source of Contamination
The recalled shrimp came from a supplier in Indonesia. The FDA revealed that this supplier has recently had several shipping containers denied entry into the US.
One container tested positive for Cesium-137, the same radioactive material detected in the recalled shrimp. The agency said the amount found was not enough to cause immediate illness but could increase the risk of cancer if consumed repeatedly over time.
Understanding Cesium-137
Cesium-137 is a radioactive form of the chemical element Cesium. It can damage living cells if exposure continues for a long period. Although the levels detected were not considered an immediate threat, experts caution against any exposure to radioactive materials in food.
Safety First
The FDA emphasized that the contaminated sample never entered the US market. However, the recall was issued out of caution to protect consumers. Officials added that food safety remains a serious priority, and any potential risk requires swift action.
What Shoppers Should Do
Customers who bought Walmart’s Great Value frozen shrimp should:
- Check packaging details against recall information.
- Discard the shrimp immediately if it matches the description.
- Request a full refund at any Walmart store.
Authorities stressed that eating contaminated shrimp poses potential long-term health risks. They recommend consumers follow recall instructions carefully to avoid harm.
Ongoing Investigation
Both Walmart and the FDA continue to investigate how radioactive exposure occurred during shipment. The findings could lead to stricter checks on imported seafood to prevent similar incidents in the future.
