Walmart Frozen Shrimp Recall: FDA Warns of Radioactive Contamination Fears

A major Walmart frozen shrimp recall is in effect across 13 U.S. states after a shipment from an international supplier tested positive for radioactive material. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public warning, advising consumers not to eat, sell, or serve specific lots of Great Value brand raw frozen shrimp.

The concern revolves around potential contamination with Cesium-137, a man-made radioactive isotope. While the FDA has confirmed that the shrimp that specifically tested positive did not enter the U.S. food supply, the agency is recommending a recall for other products from the same supplier as a precaution.

“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” a Walmart spokesperson told reporters. “We have issued a sales restriction and removed this product from our impacted stores.”

Which Shrimp Products Are Affected?

You should check your freezer for the following Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp products. The FDA advises that if you have purchased shrimp matching these descriptions, you should throw it away immediately.

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

The recall impacts Walmart locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.

What Prompted the Recall?

The investigation began when U.S. Customs and Border Protection detected Cesium-137 in shipping containers and frozen shrimp from an Indonesian supplier, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods). One sample of breaded shrimp confirmed the contamination.

As a result, the FDA has placed BMS Foods on a “red list,” preventing its products from entering the country. The recall covers shrimp that were shipped after the initial detection, even though those specific batches did not test positive. The FDA states the products appear to have been handled under conditions where they “may have become contaminated.”

What Should You Do?

The FDA’s official advice is clear: “If you have recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart that matches this description, throw it away.”

Walmart has added that customers who bought the recalled products can bring them to any store for a full refund. Do not eat or serve this shrimp.

The FDA continues to work with Indonesian authorities to find the root cause of the contamination and is tracing all products from BMS Foods that are in the supply chain.

Have you checked your freezer yet? Let us know if this recall affects you in the comments below.

More…

• https://abcnews.go.com/US/fda-warns-public-eat-possibly-radioactive-shrimp-sold/story?id=124780934
• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ypg4rgnrno
• https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/fda-issues-warning-investigating-radioactive-shrimp-bound-walmart-detected-major-us-ports