FDA Warns Potentially Radioactive Shrimp Sold at Walmart in 13 States originally appeared on Parade.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent advisory to consumers about certain frozen shrimp products that may be contaminated with a radioactive substance, prompting a voluntary recall at Walmart stores.
The alert centers on Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp sold in 2-pound bags.
This recall specifically involves lots coded 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, all stamped with a best-by date of March 15, 2027.
According to the FDA, the products were distributed to Walmart locations in 13 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
The concern is the possible presence of Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope. While it is rare for food to test positive for this contaminant, long-term exposure to Cs-137 has the potential to damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer.
The FDA stresses that no shrimp testing positive for Cs-137 has made its way into the U.S. food supply, but the recall is being taken as a precaution.
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This issue was flagged during routine inspections at several U.S. ports, including Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami. U.S. Customs and Border Protection detected elevated radiation levels in shipping containers, which led to further investigation.
The shrimp originated from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) in Indonesia. The processor has now been placed on an FDA import alert for chemical contamination under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Officials believe the shrimp may have been stored or processed under unsanitary conditions that led to possible exposure. Investigators are still working with Indonesian regulators to determine whether the source of Cs-137 is tied to environmental contamination or mishandling during production.
Photo by Siriporn Supmool via Getty Images
For consumers, the instructions are simple but critical: If you have purchased any of the affected shrimp, do not eat, cook, serve, or sell it. The safest action is to throw it away.
Retailers and distributors have also been directed to remove any remaining stock from shelves. Walmart has confirmed that the products were available in the affected states and says it is fully cooperating with the FDA’s recall process.
Much of America’s seafood comes from abroad, roughly 79%. The FDA routinely screens imported seafood for contaminants such as heavy metals, antibiotics, and now, radiation. While rare, cases like this highlight the need for strong food safety protocols and consumer awareness.
Consumers can check Walmart’s recall page or visit the FDA website for the latest updates. The advisory is precautionary, but it underscores the agency’s vigilance in keeping potentially harmful products off American tables.
FDA Warns Potentially Radioactive Shrimp Sold at Walmart in 13 States first appeared on Parade on Aug 19, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
