Walmart Shrimp Recalled Over Radiation Risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers about a recall involving Walmart’s Great Value frozen shrimp after concerns of possible radioactive contamination. The agency announced on August 19, 2025, that several lots of frozen raw shrimp imported from Indonesia may have been exposed to Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope linked to cancer risks with prolonged exposure.
Which Products Are Affected?
The shrimp products under recall were processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, also known as BMS Foods, an Indonesian seafood supplier. According to the FDA, the following Great Value frozen raw shrimp should not be eaten, sold, or served:
Great Value frozen raw shrimp, lot code 8005540-1, Best by March 15, 2027
Great Value frozen raw shrimp, lot code 8005538-1, Best by March 15, 2027
Great Value frozen raw shrimp, lot code 8005539-1, Best by March 15, 2027
These products were distributed to Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
The FDA recommends that any customer who has purchased shrimp with these lot codes throw them away immediately. Retailers and distributors have also been told to dispose of the products and halt sales.
How Was the Contamination Found?
The issue first came to light when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detected traces of Cesium-137 in shipping containers at four U.S. ports: Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami. Subsequent FDA testing confirmed the presence of Cs-137 in one sample of frozen shrimp.
While no contaminated shrimp is believed to have entered U.S. commerce, the FDA determined that shipments from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati had been “prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions” that could have resulted in contamination.
What Is Cesium-137?
Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a radioactive byproduct of nuclear fission, commonly found in the aftermath of nuclear reactor operations or weapons testing. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Cs-137 can damage DNA in living cells, and long-term exposure increases the risk of cancer.
The FDA said the sample tested showed Cs-137 levels of about 68 becquerels per kilogram (Bq/kg)—well below the agency’s threshold of 1,200 Bq/kg for imported food. While the detected levels would not cause an immediate health hazard, repeated low-dose exposure over time is considered a risk, which prompted the advisory and recall.
FDA and Walmart’s Response
The FDA has added PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati to an import alert list for chemical contamination. This means the company’s shrimp products will be blocked from entering the U.S. until it resolves the violations that led to the contamination.
Walmart has been advised to recall the affected products, although the retailer has not yet issued a public statement. The FDA emphasized that its investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you purchased frozen shrimp under the Great Value brand that matches the lot codes listed above, the FDA advises:
Do not eat or serve the shrimp.
Dispose of it immediately.
If concerned about potential exposure, consult with your healthcare provider.
Consumers are also encouraged to monitor FDA updates for additional product recalls linked to the Indonesian supplier.
The Bigger Picture
While the FDA stressed that no contaminated shrimp has reached the U.S. food supply, the recall highlights vulnerabilities in global seafood imports. The agency said it is working with Indonesian regulators to investigate the root cause of contamination and ensure stricter oversight in the future.
For now, customers are urged to check their freezers and discard any Great Value shrimp products with the specified lot codes and dates.
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