Walmart recalls possibly radioactive shrimp after public warned not to eat

August 20, 2025

Walmart has recalled specific frozen shrimp products from its Great Value label in 13 U.S. states after the FDA detected radioactive Caesium-137 in a shipping container from an Indonesian supplier. Although one breaded shrimp sample tested positive for the radioactive isotope, the FDA confirmed this particular sample never entered U.S. commerce. Walmart has removed the affected products from store shelves and is offering full refunds to customers who purchased shrimp from three identified batches.

Who is affected

Consumers in 13 U.S. states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia)
Walmart customers who purchased Great Value branded shrimp from the affected batches
The Indonesian seafood supplier who had shipping containers denied entry to the U.S.

What action is being taken

Walmart has issued a sales restriction and removed the affected products from impacted stores
Walmart is offering full refunds to customers who purchased the recalled shrimp
The FDA is testing shrimp products for Caesium-137 contamination
Walmart is working with the supplier to investigate the situation

Why it matters

Exposure to Caesium-137 over time could pose an elevated risk of cancer by damaging cells in the body
Caesium-137 is a radioactive material produced through nuclear reactions
While the contamination level wasn't enough to cause acute harm, the FDA is taking precautionary measures
The incident involves a widely available product sold at America's largest retailer

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC