URGENT UPDATE: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just announced that some frozen shrimp sold at Walmart under the Great Value label may be contaminated with radioactive Cesium-137. This alarming warning comes as the FDA recommends an immediate recall of the affected products, raising serious health concerns for consumers.
The shrimp in question, imported from Indonesian company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, has raised red flags after the FDA detected Cesium-137 in a single shipment. Fortunately, officials confirmed that this shipment “did not enter U.S. commerce,” but the warning underscores potential risks. The FDA has urged consumers to refrain from eating or serving specific lots of Great Value frozen raw shrimp, with lot codes:
– Great Value frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005540-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
– Great Value frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005538-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
– Great Value frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
Consumers who have purchased these products should dispose of them immediately, as the FDA advises that “distributors and retailers should not sell or serve this product.”
What is Cesium-137? This radioactive isotope, produced by nuclear fission, can be harmful if ingested over time. While the FDA reported that the detected levels of Cesium-137 in the shrimp were about 68 Bq/kg, significantly below the safety threshold of 1200 Bq/kg, there remains a long-term concern. Repeated low-dose exposure carries an elevated risk of cancer due to potential DNA damage.
The FDA’s warning highlights the importance of vigilance when it comes to food safety. “Avoiding products like the shipment FDA tested with similar levels of Cs-137 is a measure intended to reduce exposure to low-level radiation that could have health impacts with continued exposure over a long period of time,” the agency stated.
This recall impacts consumers across the nation, as Walmart is one of the largest grocery retailers in the U.S. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. As more information surfaces, consumers are urged to stay informed and check their freezers for the affected products.
What’s Next? The FDA continues to monitor the situation closely and will update the public as necessary. For now, individuals are advised to remain cautious and dispose of any shrimp matching the lot codes listed above.
This developing story is a reminder of the critical importance of food safety and the potential health risks associated with contamination. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds.
