The Food and Drug Administration has issued a serious warning to the public, urging consumers not to eat, sell, or serve certain raw frozen shrimp sold under the Great Value brand at Walmart. The reason for this alert is the potential contamination of these shrimp products with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope that poses serious health risks if ingested. The FDA made this announcement after being alerted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which detected possible traces of Cesium-137 in shipping containers at four different U.S. ports.
According to the agency’s official statement released on Tuesday, testing was conducted on shrimp supplied by Indonesia’s BMS Foods. The results revealed contamination, raising concerns about the safety of the affected products. The FDA emphasized that while no shrimp that tested positive for Cesium-137 has yet made its way into the U.S. food supply, the situation still requires immediate action to protect public health.
The FDA stressed that even though individual packages of shrimp have not been confirmed to contain Cesium-137, the fact that shipping containers tested positive was enough to recommend a full recall. The agency noted that the contamination could have occurred during processing, handling, or transportation. Because of this uncertainty, the FDA decided that all products shipped by BMS Foods after the contaminated containers were identified should be withdrawn from the market as a precautionary measure.
Consumers are being specifically warned against eating the following products: Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code 8005540-1 with a best by date of March 15, 2027; Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code 8005538-1 with a best by date of March 15, 2027; and Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code 8005539-1 with a best by date of March 15, 2027. The FDA advises that if anyone has purchased shrimp with these lot numbers and expiration dates, they should dispose of them immediately rather than risk potential exposure.
In its press release, the FDA stated plainly: “If you have recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart that matches this description, throw it away.” The agency added that it is actively working with distributors and retailers who received shipments from BMS Foods to ensure that recalls are carried out quickly and effectively. The priority is to keep contaminated food out of the American food supply and ensure that consumers are not put in harm’s way.
The FDA also determined that shrimp imported from BMS Foods violated the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act. According to the agency, the shrimp “appears to have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with Cs-137 and may pose a safety concern.” This violation highlights the importance of strict food safety standards for imported products and underscores the risks of failing to monitor international suppliers carefully.
As a result of these findings, all products from BMS Foods are now banned from entering the United States. The FDA made it clear that this ban will remain in place until the company can demonstrate that it has resolved the problems that led to the contamination. This includes providing evidence of safe processing conditions and ensuring that future shipments do not pose a risk of radioactive contamination.
Cesium, the element at the center of this controversy, is a soft and silvery-white metal that can become liquid close to room temperature. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cesium bonds easily with chlorides to create a crystalline powder. Cesium-137 in particular is a byproduct of nuclear fission and is highly radioactive. When people are exposed externally to large amounts of Cesium-137, it can cause burns, acute radiation sickness, and, in severe cases, death. Even smaller exposures over time can carry long-term health consequences.
This is not the first time the FDA has had to intervene in cases of potentially dangerous contaminants in consumer products. Recently, hand soaps were voluntarily recalled after being found to contain bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections. In another instance, coffee sold at Dollar General was recalled due to the possible presence of glass fragments. These examples demonstrate how the FDA consistently acts as a safeguard, stepping in when consumer safety is at stake, even before widespread illness or injury occurs.
For American families, the current warning about shrimp is particularly unsettling because shrimp is one of the most popular seafood items in the country. With millions of pounds consumed each year, a contamination scare tied to such a staple product highlights the vulnerability of the food supply chain. It also raises questions about the quality control standards of foreign suppliers and the diligence required of importers who bring food into the United States.
The situation is also a reminder for consumers to pay attention to recall notices and FDA alerts. While many people may assume that food bought from large retailers like Walmart is always safe, this case shows that vigilance is essential. Even if the contaminated shrimp has not yet entered the food supply, the very possibility of radioactive contamination is enough to warrant caution. Throwing away a bag of shrimp may feel wasteful, but it is a small price to pay compared to the potential health risks.
Looking forward, the FDA will continue to monitor imports and enforce strict standards to ensure that such incidents do not become common. At the same time, BMS Foods will have to demonstrate a serious commitment to safety before its products can reenter the U.S. market. Until then, consumers are urged to check their freezers, review lot codes carefully, and dispose of any shrimp that matches the FDA’s description.
Food safety is something most people take for granted, but cases like this are reminders that it requires constant vigilance. Thanks to the work of agencies like the FDA and Customs and Border Protection, threats are often identified before they can cause widespread harm. Still, consumers play an important role by staying informed, following recall instructions, and making safe choices for themselves and their families. The bottom line is clear: if there is any chance of radioactive contamination, it is better to be safe than sorry.
