THE Federal Food and Drug Administration has warned Americans to avoid purchasing a potentially radioactive product that’s being sold nationwide.
The FDA issued a recall for a food product containing radioactive isotopes that was sold at 13 Walmart retail stores nationwide.
The administration is urging consumers not to buy Great Value’s raw frozen shrimp because it may contain Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.
CS-137 can be found in trace amounts through the environment; however, when it’s found in larger quantities, it can warrant concern.
Ingesting too much can cause burns, acute radiation sickness or even death.
Customers are encouraged to go to their healthcare providers if they are feeling any of those symptoms after consuming the shrimp.
After conducting an investigation, the FDA discovered that shrimp, produced by Bahari Makmur Sejati, was processed in unsanitary environments, which may have led to cross-contamination.
At first, the FDA did not detect any presence of CS-137, stating, “Currently, no product that has tested positive or raised alerts for Cesium-137 has entered the United States market.”
The FDA is collaborating with distributors and retailers who received shipments from Bahari Makmur Sejati, post the initial detection of Cs-137 by Customs & Border Protection. Although these shipments did not raise alerts for Cs-137, the FDA advises companies to initiate a recall.
However, on August 19, the store found four cases of shrimp that tested positive for CS-137.
The FDA reported, “Several samples were tested for radionuclide content, and results confirmed Cs-137 in one sample of breaded shrimp.”
“All containers and product testing positive or alerting for Cs-137 have been denied entry into the country.
“The agency is continuously working with CBP to ensure contaminated products don’t reach consumers and is cooperating with Indonesian seafood regulatory bodies to identify the contamination source,” the FDA stated.
Additionally, the FDA emphasized that none of the products currently available for sale have tested positive for CS-137, but it urges consumers to be vigilant regarding any previously purchased packages.
“If you have recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart that matches this description, throw it away,” the FDA warned.
“Do not eat or serve this product.”
Shrimp products being recalled
- Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, 2lb bag, lot code: 8005540-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
- Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, 2lb bag, lot code: 8005538-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
- Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, 2lb bag, lot code: 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
The administration added an import alert to all packages from Bahari Makmur Sejati is due to the possible risk of cross-contamination.
The alert will remain on the products until the issue is resolved.
Walmart released a statement assuring customers the store is committed to their safety.
“Walmart and Sam’s Club are committed to the health and safety of our customers and members and to providing products that are safe and compliant, all supported by our health and wellness, product safety, and food safety professionals,” the company wrote.
“In the event of a product recall, we work swiftly to block the item from being sold and remove it from our stores and clubs.”
The frozen shrimp was sold at stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
