Federal authorities probe radiological pollution discovered in Walmart's shrimp products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating potential radioactive contamination in frozen shrimp products sold at Walmart. The investigation follows a warning from U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding shipments containing Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope.

The affected Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp have specific lot codes: 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, all with a Best By Date of 3/15/2027. These products were processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, a seafood supplier based in Indonesia.

Walmart has confirmed it received raw frozen shrimp that may be linked to the affected lots. As a precautionary measure, the FDA has recommended a recall of these products. The recall is aimed at minimizing long-term health risks associated with radiation exposure.

The FDA is collaborating with Customs and Border Protection to prevent additional contaminated shipments from reaching U.S. shelves. So far, no contaminated products have officially entered the U.S. market, but the FDA states that the products may have become contaminated with Cs-137 during the shipping process.

Testing has revealed traces of Cs-137 in a shipment of breaded shrimp, and one tested shipment contained Cs-137 levels of 68 becquerels per kilogram (Bq/kg). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that Cs-137 can cause skin burns, acute radiation sickness, and long-term cancer risks with uncontrolled exposure.

For updates, consumers can visit FDA.gov or Walmart's recall information page. It is urged that consumers who purchased these products dispose of them immediately. The FDA continues to investigate the potential radioactive contamination in frozen shrimp products sold at Walmart.