Consumers across the U.S. are on high alert this week after the radioactive shrimp Walmart FDA controversy surfaced, prompting nationwide concerns over seafood safety and product recalls. As of August 19, 2025, authorities have issued warnings and started investigations surrounding frozen shrimp potentially contaminated with Cesium-137—a radioactive isotope—detected in supplies bound for Walmart[1][2][3][4][5].
Federal agencies first became aware of the issue when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discovered possible radioactive contamination in frozen shrimp shipments processed by the Indonesian company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (also known as BMS Foods). Four major U.S. ports—Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami—flagged containers for further testing[2][5].
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What the FDA Has Confirmed
- Radioactive contamination found: FDA officials detected Cesium-137 in one shipment of frozen breaded shrimp via radionuclide analysis, confirming the presence of this man-made radioactive substance[2][3][4].
- Immediate ban: All containers and shrimp products that tested positive or triggered alerts were denied entry into the U.S., and the supplier, BMS Foods, was placed on a “red list,” blocking its seafood exports to America until the contamination source is resolved[2][5].
- Recall at Walmart: Walmart, under FDA recommendation, began recalling its Great Value brand raw frozen shrimp, urging customers not to consume these products and to dispose of any affected packages they may have purchased[1][2][3][4][5].
Which Shrimp Products Are Impacted?
According to the FDA, the recall pertains to:
- Great Value brand raw frozen shrimp sold exclusively at Walmart.
- Lot codes flagged by authorities include 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539[2].
- The affected products were imported after CBP’s first detection of Cesium-137 but did not individually test positive upon arrival. However, due to the insanitary conditions identified at the processing facility, all shrimp from the relevant shipments are considered potentially contaminated and unsafe[1][2][3][5].
Table: Key Facts from the Radioactive Shrimp Walmart FDA Case
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Key Substance | Cesium-137 (radioactive isotope) |
| Brand/Store | Great Value shrimp / Walmart |
| Supplier | PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), Indonesia |
| First Detection Date | August 2025 |
| Impacted Lot Codes | 8005540-1, 8005538-1, 8005539 |
| FDA Action | Recall recommended, supplier “red listed”, denied entry for positives |
| Confirmed Contamination | 1 sample of breaded shrimp (not released to U.S. public) |
FDA and Walmart Response
Both the FDA and Walmart have emphasized customer safety as their top priority throughout the radioactive shrimp Walmart FDA event.
- Walmart quickly removed the affected shrimp from all impacted stores and established a sales restriction, working with the supplier to investigate and issue full refunds for returned products[1].
- FDA is monitoring the supply chain, continuing to test samples and working with Indonesian regulators to identify the full scope of the contamination. The agency has also issued an import alert for chemical contamination and will only lift restrictions when it is certain safety issues are resolved[2][3][5].
Is There Any Health Risk?
The FDA cautions that Cesium-137, if ingested, can raise the long-term risk of cancer due to DNA damage caused by radiation exposure, even at low levels[3][4]. However, to date, no shrimp that tested positive for radioactive contamination were released into U.S. commerce[1][3][4][5]. The recall is a preventive measure to ensure consumer safety.
What Should Consumers Do?
- If you purchased Great Value raw frozen shrimp from Walmart with any of the flagged lot codes, do not eat it.
- Safely dispose of the shrimp.
- You can return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund[1][3][4].
FDA continues to trace products, coordinate with ports and regulatory partners, and provide public updates as new information emerges[5].
Have you been affected by the radioactive shrimp Walmart FDA recall, or do you have questions on seafood safety? Share your experience in the comments below and stay tuned for further developments.