FDA Warns of Radioactive Shrimp Sold At Walmart Stores

Another day another recall and this time it’s for all you shrimp lovers! Specifically shrimp lovers who also love shopping at Walmart for your seafood goods. (I’m guilty of this)

Walmart just issued a recall on some of its Great Value frozen shrimp after the FDA raised concerns about radioactive contamination. The shrimp in question came from Indonesian supplier PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati and were sold as Great Value frozen raw shrimp. The FDA flagged the seafood after detecting traces of Cesium-137 (a radioactive isotope) in one shipment. The good news: that particular shipment never made it into U.S. stores. The bad news: Walmart is pulling certain lots anyway, just to be safe.

Which shrimp products are part of the FDA warning?

• 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

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What The Heck Does Radioactive Even Mean?! 

So when they say the shrimp might be “radioactive,” it doesn’t mean your dinner is about to start glowing in the dark and turn you into a superhero. 

According to the interweb (internet) “Radioactive” basically means the atoms in that substance are unstable and release energy in the form of radiation (tiny particles or waves) as they break down. That’s the same type of radiation used in things like medical scans, cancer treatments, and unfortunately, nuclear fallout.

When radiation is inside food, it means there’s a chance those unstable atoms could get into your body if you eat it. Over time, that radiation can damage cells and DNA, which is why long-term exposure raises cancer risks.

Here’s What to do if you bought the shrimp?

If you’ve got any of those lurking in your freezer, toss them immediately. Walmart says you can head back to the store for a full refund.

The not-so-bad news about this recall is that the detected levels (68 Bq/kg) are well below the FDA’s “levels of concern” (1200 Bq/kg). So, no, you’re not about to sprout a third arm. But the FDA notes that repeated exposure to even small amounts of Cesium-137 could slightly raise cancer risks over time.

Bottom line? Walmart says customer safety comes first, and they’ve pulled the product from shelves. So check your freezer, stay safe, and if you start realizing you have super powers…. Maybe it’s the shrimp?