URGENT UPDATE: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just issued a critical warning regarding frozen shrimp sold at Walmart, specifically under the Great Value brand. These shrimp may carry a risk of radioactive contamination and should not be consumed. The alert was made public on October 10, 2023, as the FDA recommended that Walmart initiate an immediate recall of the affected products.
The shrimp in question were imported from the Indonesian company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati. According to the FDA, although tests have not found any radioactive contamination in products currently on the market, the agency detected a radioactive isotope, Cesium-137, in a single shipment that “did not enter U.S. commerce.”
The FDA has identified specific lot codes for the Great Value frozen raw shrimp that consumers must avoid. The affected lots are:
– Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005540-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
– Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005538-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
– Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
Consumers who have purchased these shrimp are strongly advised to dispose of them immediately. The FDA emphasized, “Distributors and retailers should dispose of this product and should not sell or serve this product.”
What is Cesium-137? This radioactive isotope, produced by nuclear fission, is utilized in various medical devices and is also a byproduct of nuclear reactors and weapons testing. The FDA has reported that the detected levels of Cesium-137 in the shrimp were around 68 Bq/kg, well below the threshold of 1,200 Bq/kg for levels of concern in imported foods. While the FDA has stated that this level would not pose an acute hazard to consumers, it warned that continuous low-dose exposure to Cesium-137 could increase the risk of cancer due to potential DNA damage.
The urgency of this recall cannot be overstated. As health officials strive to protect consumers, the FDA’s warning serves as a crucial reminder to be vigilant about food safety. The potential risks associated with Cesium-137 highlight the importance of monitoring imported food products closely.
For those concerned about the implications of this warning, experts advise staying informed and checking for any further updates from the FDA and Walmart. The situation is developing, and consumers should remain alert for any additional guidance or information regarding the recalled shrimp.
Share this important information to keep your friends and family safe. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
