FDA Warns Against Certain Frozen Shrimp After Radiation Found

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned people not to eat, sell, or serve some frozen shrimp sold at Walmart and other retailers. Tests showed possible contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive substance. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) first found traces of radiation in shipping containers from Indonesia. Later, the FDA tested a sample of breaded shrimp from the same supplier, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), and confirmed the presence of Cesium-137.

Although the levels were below the official danger limit, the FDA said avoiding these products is safer because long term exposure to even small amounts of radiation can harm health.

FDA’s Action

Although the levels were below the official danger limit, the FDA said avoiding these products is safer because long-term exposure to even small amounts of radiation can harm health. The FDA has placed PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati on a new import alert, which means no more shrimp from the company can enter the U.S. until safety problems are fixed. Walmart and other retailers are working with the FDA to remove all recalled products from shelves.

Products Recalled

Three lots of Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart in 13 states have been recalled. The states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.

The recalled lots are:

  • Lot code 8005540-1, Best by 3/15/2027

  • Lot code 8005538-1, Best by 3/15/2027

  • Lot code 8005539-1, Best by 3/15/2027

In addition, Southwind Foods, LLC has recalled several other brands of raw and cooked frozen shrimp sold between July 17 and August 8, 2025, in states including California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

Why Cesium-137 Is Dangerous

Cesium-137 is a man-made radioactive element created during nuclear activities such as reactor operations and weapons testing. It can enter the environment and food chain.

Low-level exposure over time may damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. The FDA found about 68 Bq/kg of Cesium-137 in a shrimp sample well below the intervention limit of 1200 Bq/kg but still considered it a health concern if eaten repeatedly over time.

What Consumers Should Do

If you have recently purchased the affected Great Value shrimp or any shrimp listed under the Southwind Foods recall, do not eat it. Throw it away immediately. Retailers and distributors have also been asked to stop selling or serving these products. If you are concerned about radiation exposure, the FDA recommends contacting your healthcare provider.

The FDA says its investigation is still active, and more products may be recalled if needed. Updates will be shared as new information becomes available.

Official Notification

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