Walmart Shrimp Recall Issued Over FDA Radiation Contamination Warning

FDA Issues Nationwide Warning on Frozen Shrimp

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged consumers not to eat, sell, or serve specific lots of Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart. The warning follows concerns about potential contamination with Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope.

According to the FDA’s press release issued Tuesday, the alert came after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detected traces of Cs-137 in shipping containers arriving at four U.S. ports. Additional testing confirmed contamination in shrimp imported by Indonesia’s BMS Foods, a supplier for Walmart’s Great Value line.

While the FDA clarified that no contaminated shrimp has yet entered the U.S. food supply, the agency is taking precautionary steps to ensure consumer safety.

Recalled Products and Consumer Guidance

The FDA has called for a recall of all shrimp distributed by BMS Foods after the shipping containers tested positive, even though the shrimp itself has not shown direct contamination.

The following products are included in the warning:

• Great Value frozen raw shrimp, Lot Code: 8005540-1 — Best By: 3/15/2027
• Great Value frozen raw shrimp, Lot Code: 8005538-1 — Best By: 3/15/2027
• Great Value frozen raw shrimp, Lot Code: 8005539-1 — Best By: 3/15/2027

“If you purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart matching this description, do not consume it. Please throw it away,” the FDA stated.

Retailers and distributors that handled shrimp from BMS Foods are also being urged to initiate recalls and remove products from circulation.

Why the Recall Was Ordered

The FDA determined that BMS Foods’ shrimp violated the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act, as the product appeared to have been prepared, stored, or transported in unsanitary conditions that may have led to radioactive contamination.

As a result, all imports from BMS Foods have been banned until the company resolves the contamination concerns.

Health Risks of Cesium-137

Cesium is a soft, silvery-white metal that becomes liquid near room temperature and easily forms a crystalline powder when combined with chlorides, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Large amounts of Cesium-137 can be hazardous. External exposure may cause:

• Severe skin burns
• Acute radiation sickness
• Long-term health complications
• Death in extreme cases

The FDA emphasized that although confirmed contaminated shrimp has not reached consumers, precautionary measures are essential to prevent possible health risks.

What Consumers Should Do

• Check packaging for the recalled lot codes and best-by dates.
• Do not eat or cook the shrimp if it matches the listed codes.
• Dispose of the shrimp immediately.
• Contact Walmart or the FDA for recall-related questions or refunds.