Walmart Recalls Great Value Shrimp Over Cesium-137 Contamination Concerns

Washington, D.C., August 20, 2025 – In a startling development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to consumers not to eat, sell, or serve certain lots of Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart stores across 13 states, citing potential contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. The recall, announced on August 19, 2025, follows the detection of Cesium-137 in shipping containers and a sample of breaded shrimp processed by Indonesian supplier PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, also known as BMS Foods. While no contaminated shrimp has entered U.S. commerce, the FDA’s precautionary measures underscore the seriousness of the issue, raising concerns among consumers, particularly in the Indian-American community, where shrimp is a dietary staple.

The Discovery: Cesium-137 in Shrimp Shipments

The issue came to light when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detected Cesium-137 in shipping containers at four major U.S. ports—Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia. The FDA subsequently tested multiple samples, confirming the presence of the radioactive isotope in one sample of frozen breaded shrimp from BMS Foods. The detected level, approximately 68 Bq/kg, is below the FDA’s Derived Intervention Level of 1200 Bq/kg, meaning it does not pose an immediate health risk. However, the agency warns that repeated low-dose exposure to Cesium-137 could elevate the risk of cancer due to DNA damage in living cells over time.

Cesium-137, a byproduct of nuclear fission, is a man-made radioactive isotope used in medical devices and industrial gauges. It is also a significant environmental contaminant, with trace amounts found globally in soil, food, and air due to past nuclear weapons testing and accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima. While the FDA emphasizes that the detected levels are low, the potential for long-term health impacts prompted swift action to prevent any contaminated products from reaching consumers.

The Recall: Affected Products and States

The recall targets specific lots of Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, sold in 2-pound bags with the following details:

• Lot Code: 8005540-1, Best by Date: March 15, 2027
• Lot Code: 8005538-1, Best by Date: March 15, 2027
• Lot Code: 8005539-1, Best by Date: March 15, 2027

These products were distributed to Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Consumers who have purchased these shrimp are urged to dispose of them immediately and not consume or serve them. Walmart has issued a sales restriction, removed the products from affected stores, and is offering full refunds to customers who return the recalled items.

“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” said Kelly Hellbusch, a Walmart spokesperson. “We have issued a sales restriction and removed this product from our impacted stores. We are working with the supplier to investigate.”

Why the Concern? Understanding Cesium-137

Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope produced during nuclear reactions, such as those in nuclear reactors or weapons testing. It emits beta particles and gamma radiation, which can penetrate soft tissues and increase cancer risk with prolonged exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while trace amounts of Cesium-137 are present in the environment from historical nuclear activities, concentrated exposure through contaminated food or water can pose health risks, including burns, radiation sickness, and, in severe cases, death. The FDA’s concern stems from the potential for shrimp processed under insanitary conditions to accumulate unsafe levels of the isotope, even if the detected levels are currently below the threshold for immediate harm.

The FDA has clarified that no shrimp testing positive for Cesium-137 has entered the U.S. food supply, as contaminated shipments were denied entry. However, the agency is taking a cautious approach, noting that products from BMS Foods “appear to have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions” that could lead to contamination. This has led to the recall of shrimp from shipments that did not trigger contamination alerts but were imported after the initial detection.

Impact on the Indian-American Community

For Indian-American consumers, shrimp is a beloved ingredient in dishes like shrimp curry, tandoori prawns, and biryani. The recall has sparked concern, particularly in states like Texas, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, which have significant Indian-American populations. Social media posts on X reflect unease, with some users describing the situation as “Chernobyl-lite” and questioning food safety regulations. The FDA’s warning serves as a reminder to check freezer stocks, especially for families who rely on Walmart’s Great Value brand for affordable seafood options.

Consumers who suspect exposure to Cesium-137 are advised to contact their healthcare providers. The FDA also encourages reporting adverse reactions through its Industry and Consumer Assistance portal.

Broader Implications: Food Safety and Global Supply Chains

The incident highlights vulnerabilities in global food supply chains, particularly for imported seafood. BMS Foods has been placed on an FDA import alert, banning its products from entering the U.S. until the company addresses the conditions leading to the contamination risk. The FDA is collaborating with Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to investigate the root cause, which may involve improper handling or environmental contamination during processing.

This recall adds to a string of food safety concerns in 2025, including a Walmart apple juice recall due to arsenic contamination and listeria-related recalls of premade sandwiches. Experts like Donald Schaffner, a food safety specialist at Rutgers University, note that the risk from the recalled shrimp is “quite low,” but the FDA’s proactive stance aims to minimize even small risks from long-term exposure.

What Should Consumers Do?

If you’ve recently purchased Great Value frozen raw shrimp from Walmart in the affected states, check the lot codes and best-by dates listed above. The FDA recommends the following steps:

• Dispose of the Product: Throw away the shrimp immediately. Do not eat or serve it.
• Seek a Refund: Visit any Walmart store for a full refund, no receipt required.
• Monitor Health: If you suspect exposure to Cesium-137, consult a healthcare provider.
• Stay Informed: Check FDA updates for additional product information as the investigation continues.

Distributors and retailers are also instructed to dispose of the affected products and refrain from selling or serving them. The FDA’s ongoing investigation may uncover additional implicated products, and consumers are encouraged to stay vigilant.

Moving Forward: A Call for Vigilance

The Walmart shrimp recall serves as a wake-up call for consumers and regulators alike, highlighting the importance of robust food safety protocols in an era of globalized supply chains. For the Indian-American community and beyond, this incident underscores the need to verify the safety of everyday grocery items, especially those sourced from overseas. As the FDA continues its investigation, NRIGlobe will keep readers updated on any new developments, ensuring you have the information needed to protect your family’s health.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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