On 19 August 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning regarding Great Value brand raw frozen shrimp sold at select Walmart stores. The concern stems from possible contamination with Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope detected in shipping containers and one sample of shrimp imported from Indonesia.
Details of the Warning: The shrimp in question was processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), Indonesia. The FDA confirmed the presence of Cs-137 in one sample of frozen breaded shrimp during testing, although most products did not test positive. Out of caution, Walmart has been asked to recall specific shrimp lots linked to these shipments.
Affected Product Information:
Brand: Great Value
Product: Raw frozen shrimp
Lot Codes: 8005540-1, 8005538-1, 8005539-1
Best By Date: 03/15/2027
Distribution: Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia
Why This Matters:
Cs-137 is a man-made radioactive isotope created during nuclear reactions.
Trace amounts of Cs-137 exist in the environment, but unexpected detection in food raises concern.
FDA testing found detectable levels of Cs-137 in shrimp (68.48 Bq/kg), below the regulatory intervention limit of 1200 Bq/kg, yet potentially harmful if consumed regularly over time.
Long-term exposure to radiation, even at low levels, may increase the risk of cancer and other health complications.
Health Risks of Cs-137 Exposure:
Long-term ingestion could contribute to cumulative radiation exposure
Possible increased cancer risk with repeated exposure
Health concerns are greater when combined with environmental and medical radiation sources
FDA Action:
All contaminated shipments have been denied entry into the U.S.
On 14 August 2025, the FDA issued an import alert (IA 99-51) under section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati was added to the red list, preventing its shrimp from entering U.S. markets until safety issues are resolved.
The FDA continues to work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Indonesian authorities to trace and investigate the contamination source.
What Consumers Should Do:
Check your freezer for the recalled Great Value raw frozen shrimp.
Do not consume the affected products. Return them to Walmart for a refund.
Consumers with concerns about radiation exposure should contact their healthcare provider.
Additional Information: More resources about Cs-137 and radiation health effects are available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
