FDA Recalls Walmart Frozen Shrimp After Cesium Contamination Concerns

Credit: Adobe Stock/Benjamin

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of certain lots of Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart due to concerns about possible contamination with Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive substance. The affected products were processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), based in Indonesia.

The recalled shrimp includes the following lots:

• Lot code 8005540-1, Best by 3/15/2027
• Lot code 8005538-1, Best by 3/15/2027
• Lot code 8005539-1, Best by 3/15/2027

Consumers who purchased these products should throw them away and not eat or serve them. Distributors and retailers should also stop selling the shrimp and safely dispose of it.

The recall was prompted after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detected Cs-137 in shipping containers at multiple ports. FDA testing later confirmed low-level Cs-137 in one sample of breaded shrimp from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, though not in the specific products currently being recalled. Importantly, none of the contaminated shrimp has entered U.S. commerce. However, FDA determined that the products appear to have been prepared, packed or held under conditions that may have led to contamination, posing a potential safety concern.

At the level detected, Cs-137 does not pose an immediate health hazard, but repeated long-term exposure to radioactive cesium may increase the risk of cancer due to DNA damage. To reduce unnecessary exposure, FDA and Walmart are taking precautionary action to recall these shrimp products.

FDA has also placed PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati on an import alert to stop further shrimp shipments from entering the U.S. until the company addresses the contamination concerns. The agency’s investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

If you are concerned about potential exposure to cesium, speak with your health care provider.