Shrimp Recall 2025: Walmart Shrimp Recalled Over Radioactive Contamination Fears

The FDA has recommended a recall of Great Value frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart after a radioactive isotope was detected.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent health alert, recommending that Walmart recall specific lots of Great Value frozen raw shrimp due to potential contamination with a radioactive isotope.

The warning follows the detection of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) in shipping containers and a single sample of frozen breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia.

While the FDA states that the levels detected do not pose an “immediate hazard”, the recall is a precautionary measure to prevent long-term health risks associated with repeated, low-dose exposure.

This recall is a rare and serious incident, highlighting the complexities and vulnerabilities of the global food supply chain.

The Details: What Products Are Affected?

The FDA’s investigation, prompted by an alert from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), focused on products from the Indonesian company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods).

While all containers and products that tested positive for Cesium-137 were denied entry into the U.S., the FDA discovered that Walmart had received products from the same supplier that did not trigger the initial contamination alerts.

The specific Great Value frozen raw shrimp products under the recall are:

• Lot Code: 8005540-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
• Lot Code: 8005538-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
• Lot Code: 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027

The affected shrimp was distributed to Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.

What Is Caesium-137, and What Are the Risks?

Caesium-137 is a radioactive isotope that is a byproduct of nuclear reactions. According to the FDA, at the levels detected, the shrimp would not cause acute radiation sickness or burns. However, long-term exposure to even low levels of caesium-137 can pose a health risk.

The FDA’s warning is based on the concern that repeated, low-dose exposure could lead to an “elevated risk of cancer, resulting from damage to DNA within living cells of the body.”

The FDA’s investigation into the root cause of the contamination is ongoing, and the agency has placed BMS Foods on an import alert, effectively banning its products from entering the U.S. until the issue is resolved.

What Consumers Should Do

The FDA and Walmart have provided clear instructions for consumers who have purchased the affected products.

1. Do not eat or serve the shrimp.
2. Dispose of the product immediately by throwing it away.
3. Do not attempt to return the product to the store, as it poses a contamination risk. Walmart has confirmed that customers who purchased the recalled shrimp can visit any Walmart store for a full refund.
4. Consult a healthcare provider if you believe you have been exposed to elevated levels of cesium or are experiencing unusual symptoms.

Walmart has released a statement confirming that it has issued a sales restriction and removed the product from all affected stores, emphasizing its commitment to customer safety.