Walmart Issues Urgent Recall of Potentially Radioactive Shrimp Products

Walmart has announced a recall of shrimp products after a shipment tested positive for radioactive Caesium-137, sparking health warnings from the FDA regarding possible consumer exposure.

Walmart has initiated a recall of certain shrimp products distributed in the United States after the FDA detected radioactive material in a shipment. The public has been cautioned against consuming frozen shrimp sold under Walmart's Great Value label due to potential exposure to a dangerous isotope during transport. Although the FDA reported that a sample of breaded shrimp tested positive for the radioactive substance, it clarified that the positive sample "did not enter US commerce."

Affected shrimp products were sold across 13 states, prompting health officials to advise consumers to dispose of recently purchased batches. “The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” a Walmart spokesperson emphasized, confirming that a sales restriction had been issued and the product withdrawn from their stores. Customers are eligible for a full refund upon return.

The implicated shrimp originated from an Indonesian supplier, which has recently faced shipping restrictions imposed by the FDA. Specifically, one shipment was found to contain Caesium-137, a radioactive isotope that, while not in a concentration high enough to cause immediate harm, poses long-term health risks associated with cancer if exposure occurs over extended periods. This isotope is often linked to nuclear incidents, such as those at Chernobyl and Fukushima and exists in minimal quantities in the environment. Although the FDA confirmed that no Caesium-137 had been found in subsequent tests of other products, they advised the public that further contamination cannot yet be dismissed.

Consumers in states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Texas are urged to exercise caution.