A recent shrimp recall has consumers on alert after Walmart initiated a voluntary removal of its Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp from select stores. This action follows a public health warning issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding potential contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. The recall impacts specific lot codes of the product sold in 13 states, raising concerns about potential low-level radiation exposure.
Radioactive Contamination Concerns
The issue originated with US Customs and Border Protection, which detected Cesium-137 in shipping containers and a sample of breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia. The processing company identified was PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods). While initial contaminated shipments were intercepted, subsequent shipments reportedly made their way to Walmart stores without triggering contamination alerts.
Affected Products and Locations
The recall specifically targets Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp with the following lot codes: 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1. All affected products have a “best by” date of March 15, 2027. These shrimp packages were distributed to Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
FDA’s Role and Safety Thresholds
The FDA played a crucial role in issuing a public health warning after the contamination was discovered. Although the detected level of Cesium-137 was approximately 68 becquerels per kilogram (Bq/kg), which is below the FDA’s intervention threshold of 1,200 Bq/kg, the agency advised caution. The FDA emphasized that minimizing exposure to even low levels of radiation is a prudent measure to prevent potential long-term health issues. The detected level is far below the limit, but the FDA is acting out of an abundance of caution.
Understanding Cesium-137
Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope produced by nuclear fission. Exposure to high levels of Cesium-137 can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. However, the levels detected in the recalled shrimp are considered low. The FDA’s intervention threshold of 1,200 Bq/kg represents the level at which the agency would take action to remove a product from the market due to immediate health concerns.
Consumer Advice and Actions
Walmart is urging consumers who have purchased the affected Great Value shrimp to take immediate action. If you have purchased shrimp with the specified lot codes and best-by date, you should either discard the product immediately or return it to any Walmart store for a full refund. This recommendation aligns with the FDA’s advisory to avoid potentially contaminated products as a precautionary measure.
Where to Get More Information
Consumers seeking further information or clarification regarding the recall can contact Walmart’s customer service or visit the FDA’s website for updates. Reputable news outlets such as The Guardian, CBS News, Fox Business, The Independent, and News 9 have also reported on this developing story, providing additional details and perspectives.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Prevention
The FDA is currently working with Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to investigate the root cause of the Cesium-137 contamination. This collaborative effort aims to identify the source of the contamination and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. Strengthening import controls and enhancing monitoring protocols are critical steps in ensuring the safety of the US food supply.
Preventing Future Contamination
Preventing future contamination requires a multi-faceted approach, including rigorous testing of imported seafood, enhanced monitoring of processing facilities, and international cooperation to address potential sources of radioactive contamination. The FDA’s ongoing investigation will likely focus on identifying vulnerabilities in the supply chain and implementing corrective actions to mitigate risks.
Shrimp Recall: A Summary
The Walmart shrimp recall, triggered by the discovery of Cesium-137, underscores the importance of robust food safety measures and vigilant monitoring of imported products. While the detected levels of radiation were below the FDA’s intervention threshold, the recall serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with radioactive contamination and the need for proactive steps to protect public health. Consumers are advised to check their freezers and take appropriate action if they have purchased the affected Great Value shrimp.
