Shrimp sold at Walmart recalled over possible radioactive contaminants
By: Mary Walrath-Holdridge
USA Today
..... The Food and Drug Administration is recalling some frozen shrimp sold at Walmart for possible radioactive chemical contamination.
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The FDA advised of the recalled in an August 19 [2025] notice, saying certain raw frozen shrimp products processed by Indonesian company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, doing business as MBS Foods, had tested positive for cesium-137, or Cs-137. Walmart sells the products under tits Great Value brand.
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The presence of the chemical element violates the Federal Food, Drug and cosmetic Act, said the FDA, as it appears the affected product may have been "prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with CS-137 and may pose a safety concern."
..... Specifically, 2-pound bags of Great Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp are subject to the recall.
..... Lot codes and best-by-dates including the following: Lot Code: 8005538-1, best by 3/15/2027, lot code: 8005539-1 best by 3/15/2027,and lot code 8005540-1 best by 3/15/2027.
..... The FDA said the presence of Cs-137 was confirmed in one sample of breaded shrimp, which was denied entry into the United States.
..... "FDA has concluded that the level detected in the breaded shrimp, sample could represent a potential health condition for those consumption of the shrimp over an extended period of time combined with radiation that exists in the environment and from other sources such as medical procedures," the agency said in a statement.
..... According to Walmart, shrimp products made by PT Bahari Makmur Sejati were distributed in 13 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia,, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virgina.
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PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati has been placed on an import alert that prevents any of its food products from entering the United States until it resolves any conditions that could have caused the exposure.
..... Cs-137 it is a chemical element that emits radiation as it breaks down.
..... It is human-made and is produced by nuclear fission, according to the FDA. In the United States, it is sued in medical devices and measurement gauges, such as industrial devices that measure the thickens of materials.
..... The FDA said low-level radiation exposure over time can lead to serious health complications.
..... Exposure to Cs-137 alone can cause burns, acute radiation sickness, cancer and death. As a result, the governing agencies restrict potential exposure to lessen the possibility of these long-tern impacts.
..... People who have a package of the recalled Walmart shrimp at home should throw it ways and not eat or serve it, said the FDA.
..... Distributors and retailers have been exposed to elevated levels of cesium should contact their claimed provider. To make a complaint or repost an adverse reaction, consumers can visit the FDA's Industry and Con summer Assistance portal at fda.gov/food .