Shrimp Scare: Walmart Pulls Frozen Seafood from Shelves

Walmart has taken a significant step to ensure customer safety by recalling certain frozen shrimp from stores in 13 states. The reason? Potential radioactive contamination.

The Issue

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found traces of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in some shrimp imported from Indonesia. This substance is a byproduct of nuclear reactions and can be found in tiny amounts in the environment.

FDA's Urgent Advisory

The FDA urged customers who bought the affected Great Value brand frozen shrimp to toss it out. While the risk is low, long-term exposure to low levels of Cesium-137 could be harmful. The levels found in the shrimp were below FDA intervention levels, but avoiding contaminated products can help reduce radiation exposure over time.

Investigation and Contamination Detection

The contamination was first detected in shipping containers and some shrimp samples. The FDA is investigating a company in Indonesia, PT Bahari Makmur Sejati, also known as BMS Foods. US Customs and Border Protection found Cesium-137 in containers sent to ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia. The FDA collected product samples and found contamination in one batch of frozen breaded shrimp. Initially, the contaminated shipments were blocked from entering the US. However, some affected products had already been sent to Walmart.

Walmart's Swift Response

Walmart quickly responded by recalling the products. The affected shrimp have lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, with best-by dates of March 15, 2027. They were sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Customers can either throw away the shrimp or return them to any Walmart store for a refund.

Expert Opinions

Food safety experts like Donald Schaffner from Rutgers University say the risk from the recalled shrimp is quite low. Still, it's important to stay informed and take precautions. This incident highlights the need for strict safety measures in the food industry to protect consumers from potential health risks.