Walmart Issues Recall on Frozen Shrimp Due to Potential Radioactive Contamination: NPR Report

Walmart Recalls Shrimp in 13 States Amid Radioactive Contamination Concerns

manchester, New Hampshire – August 20, 2025 – Walmart has initiated a voluntary recall of frozen raw shrimp spanning thirteen states following the detection of potential radioactive contamination. The United States Food and Drug governance (FDA) prompted the action after identifying Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers and a sample of the breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia.

Federal examination Uncovers Contamination

Federal health officials discovered the presence of Cesium-137 during routine inspections of shipments arriving at U.S. ports in Los Angeles, Houston, miami, and Savannah, georgia. initial findings revealed contamination in shipping containers, leading to the denial of entry for those products. Afterward, a sample of frozen breaded shrimp tested positive for the isotope, further escalating the concern.According to the FDA, exposure to even low levels of Cesium-137 over extended periods could present a “potential health concern.”

Recalled Products and Affected States

The recalled products are Grate Value brand frozen raw shrimp with the following lot codes and best-by dates:

Lot Code	Best-By Date
8005540-1	March 15, 2027
8005538-1	March 15, 2027
8005539-1	March 15, 2027

Consumers in Alabama, arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West virginia are advised to check their freezers for these products. Walmart has confirmed they have removed the affected shrimp from store shelves and are offering full refunds to customers who return the product.

what is Cesium-137?

Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope created as a byproduct of nuclear reactions, including those from nuclear weapons testing, reactor operations, and accidents. While naturally occurring in trace amounts in soil, food, and air, elevated levels are the subject of health concerns. according to the Environmental Protection Agency, Cesium-137 has a half-life of approximately 30 years, meaning it takes that long for half of the substance to decay.

Did You Know? The levels of Cesium-137 detected in the shrimp were reportedly below FDA intervention levels,however,the agency advises caution to minimize any potential long-term exposure.

Donald Schaffner, a food Safety Expert at Rutgers University, stated that the risk posed by the recalled shrimp is “quite low,” but emphasized the importance of discarding possibly contaminated products.

Investigation Continues

The FDA is continuing to investigate P.T. Bahari Makmur Sejati, doing business as BMS Foods of Indonesia, the company responsible for processing the contaminated products. The agency is working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to prevent further imports of affected goods. Walmart’s swift response to remove the products from stores is being commended by health officials.

Pro Tip: Always check for product recall announcements from the FDA and major retailers like Walmart to ensure the safety of your food supply. You can sign up for FDA recall alerts on their website.

Understanding Food Safety and Radioactive Contamination

Food safety is a paramount concern for consumers and regulatory agencies alike.Radioactive contamination, although relatively rare, poses a unique set of challenges. The FDA closely monitors imported foods for a variety of contaminants, including pesticides, heavy metals, and radioactive isotopes. Regular testing and inspections are essential to protecting public health.Increased global trade has heightened the need for robust food safety protocols across international borders.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Shrimp Recall

Have thoughts on this recall? Share your concerns and questions in the comments below!

What are the specific UPC codes consumers should check to identify the recalled frozen shrimp?

Understanding the Walmart Shrimp recall – August 2025

Walmart has initiated a voluntary recall of specific frozen shrimp products following a report by NPR detailing potential radioactive contamination. This recall impacts consumers across multiple states and raises concerns about food safety and import regulations. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, detailing affected products, potential health risks, and steps consumers should take. We’ll cover everything from identifying the recalled frozen shrimp to understanding the implications of radioactive contamination in food.

Details of the Recall: Products affected

The recall, announced on August 19th, 2025, centers around frozen shrimp sourced from a specific supplier. Here’s a breakdown of the affected products:

Product name: Various brands of frozen shrimp (specific brand names will be updated as information becomes available – check Walmart’s official recall notice).

Package Sizes: Ranging from 1lb to 2lb bags.

UPC Codes: A comprehensive list of UPC codes is available on Walmart’s website and the FDA recall page (links provided at the end of this article).

Production Dates: Shrimp packaged between January 1st, 2025, and August 15th, 2025, are potentially affected.

States Affected: Initial reports indicate distribution across California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, and Texas, with potential wider distribution. Consumers nationwide are urged to check their freezers.

Source of Contamination: The contamination is believed to originate from the shrimp’s farming surroundings, specifically concerns regarding water quality in the region of origin.

What is Radioactive Contamination and Why is it a Concern?

The presence of radioactive isotopes, specifically Cesium-137 and Strontium-90, in food is a serious health concern. While levels detected in the shrimp are currently considered low, prolonged exposure, even to small amounts, can increase the risk of:

Cancer: Increased risk of various cancers, including leukemia and thyroid cancer.

Genetic Mutations: Potential for genetic damage, particularly in developing fetuses.

Immune System Suppression: weakening of the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illness.

The NPR report highlighted that the levels detected, while exceeding acceptable limits set by the FDA for imported seafood, are not considered instantly life-threatening. Though,the long-term health implications necessitate the recall and consumer awareness. This situation underscores the importance of food safety regulations and rigorous testing of imported seafood products.

How to Identify Recalled Shrimp & What to Do

Consumers who have purchased frozen shrimp should take the following steps:

1. Check Your Freezer: immediately check your freezer for the products listed in the recall notice.
2. Verify UPC Codes: Carefully compare the UPC code on your package with the list provided by Walmart and the FDA.
3. Do not Consume: if you have a recalled product, do not consume it.
4. Return for Refund: Return the product to your local Walmart store for a full refund. A receipt is not required.
5. Proper Disposal: If you are unable to return the product, dispose of it properly to prevent accidental consumption by humans or animals. Double-bagging the shrimp before disposal is recommended.

The Role of the FDA and Import Regulations

The Food and Drug Management (FDA) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of imported food products. This recall has prompted increased scrutiny of the FDA’s import inspection processes, particularly regarding seafood from regions with known environmental concerns. key areas of focus include:

Increased Testing: the FDA has announced plans to increase the frequency and scope of testing for radioactive isotopes in imported shrimp.

Supplier Audits: More rigorous audits of shrimp suppliers and their farming practices.

Contry of Origin Labeling (COOL): Strengthening COOL requirements to provide consumers with more information about the origin of their food.

Import Alerts: Utilizing import alerts to prevent potentially contaminated products from entering the US market.

Previous incidents & The Broader Context of Food Contamination

This isn’t the first instance of concerns regarding contamination in imported seafood. In 2011, following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan, concerns were raised about radioactive seafood reaching the US market. While stringent testing protocols were implemented,the current Walmart recall highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring food safety in a globalized food supply chain. Other notable food contamination events include:

2008 Chinese Milk Scandal: Melamine contamination in infant formula.

2011 E. coli Outbreak: Linked to contaminated spinach.

2015 Listeria Outbreak: Associated with Blue Bell Creameries ice cream.

These incidents underscore the need for continuous enhancement in food safety practices and proactive monitoring of potential hazards.

Benefits of Staying Informed & Proactive Food Safety

Staying informed about food recalls and practicing proactive food safety measures can significantly reduce your risk of exposure to harmful contaminants. Benefits include:

Protecting Your Health: Avoiding potentially contaminated food protects you and your family from illness.

**Reducing Long-