Walmart has pulled frozen shrimp from its freezers in Texas and 12 other states after federal officials said the products may be contaminated with a radioactive isotope.
Walmart has recalled frozen shrimp packs in Texas and twelve other states after federal health regulators found radioactive contamination in Indonesian imports.
The FDA asked Walmart to recall three lots of Great Value frozen raw shrimp this week. Detections of Cesium-137 in shipping containers and frozen breaded shrimp from the same supplier prompted this conclusion.
BMS Foods processed the prawns. After finding radioactivity in containers arriving at Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials expressed concerns. After a commercial sample tested positive for Cesium-137, the FDA launched a thorough investigation.
After the U.S. border rejected the damaged containers, the FDA found that other shipments from the same supplier, which had not triggered any alarms during testing, reached Walmart distribution facilities.
Walmart is recalling Great Value two-pound shrimp bags. These products have lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1 and a best-by date of March 15, 2027. Retailers in 13 states, including Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi, suffered.
The FDA recently advised shoppers to discard Walmart raw frozen shrimp that met the criteria. Customers can return products for full refunds.
Specialists say health risks are low. The amounts observed were much lower than regulatory action standards, according to Rutgers University food safety professor Donald Schaffner. "The recalled shrimp pose relatively minimal danger," he said.
In trace proportions, cesium-137 is a result of nuclear reactions, including weapons testing and reactor operations. However, prolonged exposure to high levels may cause cancer.
Walmart published the recall on its website, highlighting its quick sales stop. The corporation stated its commitment to customer and member safety in a recent statement.
The FDA said it is tracking BMS Foods shipments and will take additional action if needed.
