Nationwide Frozen Shrimp Recall Issued Over Radioactive Contamination Concerns
A significant public health alert has been issued as multiple brands of frozen shrimp, including Walmart’s popular Great Value brand, are being recalled due to potential contamination with Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers to avoid purchasing or consuming these products, citing concerns that they may have been processed under insanitary conditions.
Understanding the Contaminant: Cesium-137
Cesium-137 is a man-made radioisotope, a byproduct of nuclear fission processes, including nuclear weapons testing and nuclear reactor operations or accidents. While trace amounts of Cs-137 are widespread globally and can be found in the environment, including soil, food, and air, elevated concentrations are a cause for concern. The primary health risk associated with repeated, long-term low-dose exposure to Cs-137 is an increased risk of cancer, stemming from potential damage to DNA within living cells. Although the levels detected in the affected shrimp shipments were below the FDA’s immediate acute hazard thresholds, the agency’s precautionary measures aim to prevent cumulative exposure that could have adverse health impacts over time.
Tracing the Contamination: From Ports to Shelves
The investigation into the contamination began when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detected Cs-137 in shipping containers at several key U.S. ports, including Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami. Following these alerts, the FDA conducted its own testing, confirming the presence of the radioactive isotope in one sample of frozen breaded shrimp. While all containers and products testing positive or alerting for Cs-137 were denied entry into the United States, the FDA’s ongoing investigation revealed that some shipments processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods), an Indonesian seafood supplier, had been imported after the initial detection of Cs-137, but from shipments that did not trigger immediate alerts.
This discovery led the FDA to determine that products from BMS Foods may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions, potentially leading to Cs-137 contamination. Consequently, the FDA has issued an import alert for BMS Foods, halting further products from this company from entering the U.S. until the identified issues are rectified. The root cause of the contamination remains under investigation, with the FDA collaborating with Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities.
Scope of the Recall: Multiple Brands and States Affected
The recall efforts encompass several brands that sourced products from BMS Foods. The most prominent recall involves Walmart’s Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp. Specifically, three lots of Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp (EZ-Peel & Deveined Tail-On, 21-25 per pound) with Lot Codes: 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, all bearing a Best By Date of March 15, 2027, have been identified. These products were distributed to Walmart stores in 13 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Sales of these specific lots were halted, and the product removed from shelves.
In addition to the Great Value brand, Southwind Foods LLC, based in California, has voluntarily recalled 13 different frozen shrimp products sold under various brand names. These include Sand Bar, Best Yet, Great American, Arctic Shores, and First Street. These products were distributed between July 17 and August 8, 2025, to retailers, distributors, and wholesalers in nine states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. Beaver Street Fisheries LLC of Jacksonville, Florida, also issued a recall for Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp as a precautionary measure, expanding the scope of the earlier alert.
Consumer Guidance and Response
Authorities are strongly advising consumers who may have purchased any of the recalled shrimp products to not consume them. Instead, they should either discard the product immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. While no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with these recalls, the proactive measures are in place to mitigate potential long-term health risks.
Consumers with questions regarding the Great Value brand recall can contact the company at 904-354-8533. For inquiries about the Southwind Foods recall, customers can reach out to the company at 323-262-8222.
Navigating Food Safety in a Connected World
This extensive recall highlights the complexities of the global food supply chain and the critical importance of rigorous safety checks. As consumers navigate their daily lives, often engrossed in a wide array of information, from trending news cycles and the latest developments in music to the creative output of visual artists, staying vigilant about food safety remains paramount. The swift dissemination of this recall news by regulatory bodies and media outlets is crucial for public awareness. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and is coordinating with international partners to address the root causes of contamination, aiming to restore consumer confidence in the safety of imported seafood.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as officials work to ensure the integrity and safety of the food supply.
