A potential shrimp contamination has triggered an urgent warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning specific frozen shrimp products sold at Walmart. The FDA is advising consumers to check their freezers for potentially radioactive shrimp and to take immediate action if they have purchased the affected product. This action follows detection of a radioactive isotope in imported shipments.
The FDA Warning: Radioactive Contamination
The FDA’s warning specifically targets Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, identifying particular lot numbers that may be contaminated with Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope. According to the FDA, the affected products are lots 8005538-1, 8005539-1, and 8005540-1, all bearing a “best by” date of March 15, 2027.
Product Details and Distribution
The potentially contaminated shrimp were processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods) of Indonesia. The distribution of these products spanned across 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Consumers in these states should be especially vigilant in checking their purchased shrimp against the identified lot numbers.
Discovery and Initial Detection
The issue was initially brought to light by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) during routine inspections. CBP detected Cs-137 in shipping containers arriving at four U.S. ports: Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami. As reported by the FDA, all containers and products that tested positive for Cs-137 were immediately denied entry into the U.S. food supply, preventing those specific shipments from entering U.S. commerce.
How Contaminated Shrimp Entered the Supply Chain
Despite the CBP’s efforts to block contaminated shipments, the FDA has determined that Walmart received some raw frozen shrimp from BMS Foods after the initial detection date. While these specific shipments did not trigger alerts for Cs-137, the connection to the potentially compromised supplier prompted the FDA to take precautionary measures.
Walmart’s Response and Consumer Advice
Following the FDA’s recommendation, Walmart has taken action to address the potential contamination. The retail giant has issued a sales restriction on the implicated products and has removed them from the shelves of affected stores. Consumers who have purchased Great Value frozen raw shrimp with the specified lot numbers are strongly advised to dispose of the product immediately. Walmart is offering full refunds to customers who have purchased the affected shrimp, ensuring that consumers are not financially burdened by this safety concern.
What to Do If You Purchased the Affected Shrimp
If you have purchased Great Value frozen raw shrimp with lot numbers 8005538-1, 8005539-1, or 8005540-1 and a “best by” date of March 15, 2027, do not consume it. Throw the shrimp away immediately. You can then return to Walmart with proof of purchase to receive a full refund. Taking these steps will help protect you and your family from potential health risks associated with radioactive contamination.
Understanding the Risks of Cesium-137
The detected level of Cs-137 in the shrimp was approximately 68 Bq/kg (Becquerels per kilogram). While this level is below the FDA’s Derived Intervention Level (DIL) of 1200 Bq/kg, it is essential to understand the potential long-term risks associated with exposure to radioactive materials. The FDA’s DIL represents a threshold above which immediate action is deemed necessary to protect public health. However, even lower levels of Cs-137 can pose risks with prolonged exposure.
Long-Term Health Implications
Repeated exposure to even low levels of Cs-137 can increase the long-term risk of cancer due to DNA damage. Radioactive isotopes like Cs-137 emit radiation that can interact with the body’s cells, potentially causing mutations that lead to the development of cancerous tumors. While the immediate risk from consuming the contaminated shrimp is considered low, the FDA is taking a proactive approach to prevent any potential long-term health consequences for consumers.
FDA’s Ongoing Investigation and Preventative Measures
The FDA is actively investigating the root cause of the radioactive shrimp contamination. The agency is working to determine how the Cs-137 entered the shrimp supply chain and to implement measures to prevent future occurrences. As part of its preventative efforts, the FDA has added BMS Foods to an import alert. This measure ensures that no further products from BMS Foods will be allowed to enter the U.S. until the contamination issue is fully resolved and the FDA is confident in the safety of the company’s products.
Import Alert and Future Prevention
By placing BMS Foods on an import alert, the FDA is sending a clear message that it is committed to protecting the U.S. food supply from radioactive contamination. This alert requires that all future shipments from BMS Foods be detained at the border and subjected to rigorous testing before they can be released for sale in the United States. This measure will remain in place until the FDA is satisfied that BMS Foods has implemented adequate controls to prevent future contamination.
Protecting Consumers: A Multi-Agency Effort
The discovery of the radioactive contamination in imported shrimp highlights the importance of collaboration between different government agencies to ensure food safety. The initial detection by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) at various ports demonstrates the effectiveness of border screening procedures. The FDA’s prompt response in issuing a warning, recommending a recall, and investigating the source of the contamination further underscores the commitment to protecting public health. This multi-agency effort serves as a critical safeguard for consumers, preventing potentially harmful products from reaching the marketplace.
In conclusion, the FDA’s urgent warning regarding radioactive contamination in specific lots of Great Value frozen raw shrimp at Walmart underscores the importance of vigilance in food safety. Consumers who have purchased the affected products should discard them immediately and seek a refund from Walmart. The FDA’s ongoing investigation and preventative measures, including the import alert for BMS Foods, demonstrate a commitment to protecting the U.S. food supply and preventing future incidents of contamination.
