Walmart has issued a recall for its Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned of possible radioactive contamination.
The shrimp, imported from Indonesian supplier PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, may be linked to low-level exposure to Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, AP News said.
Although the FDA confirmed that the contaminated shipment did not enter US stores, the agency still urged Walmart to recall certain shrimp batches "out of an abundance of caution."
In a statement, Walmart said, "The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. We have removed the affected product from stores and are working with the supplier to investigate. Customers should not eat the shrimp and may return it for a full refund."
The recall includes the following lots of Great Value frozen raw shrimp:
- Lot code: 8005540-1, Best by: March 15, 2027
- Lot code: 8005538-1, Best by: March 15, 2027
- Lot code: 8005539-1, Best by: March 15, 2027
These shrimp products were sold in 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
The FDA warns public not to eat, sell or serve certain Great Value raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart due to possible contamination a radioactive isotope
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 19, 2025
https://t.co/EqW097YS2i
Read more: Walmart Settles $5.6 Million Lawsuit Over California's Claims Retail Giant Overcharges Shoppers
FDA Flags Great Value Shrimp for Potential Cesium-137 Risk
Customers are urged to throw the shrimp away or return it to Walmart for a refund.
The FDA said the warning was issued after Cesium-137 was found in a single shipment of shrimp, as well as in shipping containers processed by the same Indonesian supplier.
According to CBS News, the radioactive material was below the level considered dangerous — at about 68 Bq/kg — but officials still raised a red flag.
"Even though the levels are low and don't pose an immediate risk, long-term exposure to even small amounts of radiation can slightly increase the risk of cancer," the FDA stated. It added that avoiding products like this helps reduce potential health risks over time.
Cesium-137 is a radioactive element produced during nuclear fission. It can be found in the environment from past nuclear tests or accidents.
The US Environmental Protection Agency says it's used in some medical devices and can affect human health if ingested over a long period.
While the shrimp tested did not exceed safety thresholds, FDA officials emphasized that the recall is a precaution to keep long-term exposure low.
Join the Conversation