Shrimp bound for Walmart tests radioactive at ports, FDA rushes to stop sale

Walmart has initiated a recall of its frozen shrimp products in 13 US states after discovering potential radioactive contamination. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported the detection of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in shrimp products imported from Indonesia, according to Fox Business. The report stated that US Customs and Border Protection alerted the agency to contamination in shipping containers at major ports, including Los Angeles and Houston.

Although the level of Cesium-137 found was lower than intervention limits, exposure over time poses potential health risks, including cancer, noted NPR. The agency recommended that consumers should not consume the affected products and advised those who have purchased shrimp with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1 to dispose of them immediately. These products were sold under Walmart's Great Value label across several states, including Alabama, Florida, and Texas, NPR reported.

In a statement, Walmart emphasized that customer health and safety remain its top priority. The company has implemented a sales restriction and removed impacted shrimp from stores, as reported by BBC News. They encourage customers who purchased the recalled shrimp to return the product for a full refund.

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The FDA is actively coordinating with Indonesian authorities to trace the source of the contamination and prevent future incidents, while working closely with Walmart to ensure consumer safety. According to Fox Business, the shrimp supplier, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, has been added to the 'red list,' restricting its products from entering the US until further notice.

Caesium-137 contamination is typically linked to nuclear reactions and its presence is unexpected in food products, necessitating thorough investigation and cautionary measures from food safety authorities, NPR reported. While the risks from this specific recall are considered low, avoiding contaminated products is crucial to minimizing any potential health impacts.