Frozen Great Value Shrimp Potentially Contaminated with Cesium-137, Posing Long-Term Health Risks



Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a critical warning to consumers, urging them not to eat, sell, or serve certain lots of Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart stores across 13 states due to potential contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. The affected shrimp, imported from Indonesian processor PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), were flagged after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detected Cesium-137 in shipping containers at ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia.

The FDA’s investigation revealed Cesium-137 in a sample of frozen breaded shrimp from BMS Foods, prompting an immediate import alert (IA 99-51) to block all products from the company from entering the U.S. until the contamination issue is resolved. While the detected level of Cesium-137—approximately 68 Bq/kg—is below the FDA’s intervention threshold of 1,200 Bq/kg and does not pose an immediate health risk, the agency warns that repeated exposure over time could increase the risk of cancer due to DNA damage in living cells. The FDA has emphasized that no contaminated shrimp has entered the U.S. food supply, but out of caution, it has recommended that Walmart recall specific lots of Great Value frozen raw shrimp processed after the initial detection.

The affected products include Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp in 2-pound bags with the following lot codes and best-by dates: 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, all with a best-by date of March 15, 2027. These products were sold in Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Consumers who have purchased these shrimp are advised to discard them immediately and not consume or serve them. Walmart has confirmed it has removed the products from impacted stores and is offering full refunds to customers.

Cesium-137, a byproduct of nuclear fission, is used in medical devices and industrial gauges but can also persist in the environment from past nuclear weapons testing and accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima. Trace amounts are widespread in soil, food, and air, but the FDA monitors for unexpected levels resulting from human activities. In this case, the contamination may stem from insanitary conditions during the preparation, packing, or storage of the shrimp, though the exact source remains under investigation. The FDA is collaborating with Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to trace the root cause and ensure no further contaminated products reach consumers.

Walmart issued a statement to CBS News, saying, “The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. We have issued a sales restriction and removed this product from our impacted stores. We are working with the supplier to investigate.” The retailer has also updated its product recall website to inform customers of the affected lot codes and refund process.

Health officials note that while low-level exposure to Cesium-137 is unlikely to cause immediate harm, long-term consumption of contaminated food could lead to serious health complications, including an elevated risk of cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that large amounts of Cesium-137 can cause burns, acute radiation sickness, or even death, though such levels were not detected in this case. Consumers who suspect exposure to elevated levels of Cesium-137 are advised to consult their healthcare provider.

The FDA’s swift action, including the import ban and recall recommendation, underscores its commitment to food safety. The agency continues to work with CBP and industry partners to trace all products from BMS Foods through the supply chain and prevent any potential risks to public health. Updates to the advisory will be provided as the investigation progresses.