Context:

The FDA has issued a warning regarding potential radioactive contamination of Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart, urging consumers to check and dispose of the affected products immediately. The shrimp, processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati in Indonesia, may be contaminated with cesium-137, a radioactive isotope that poses health risks including cancer. Although the detected levels of cesium-137 in a related product were below the FDA's intervention threshold, the agency recommends a recall due to potential health concerns from extended exposure. The identified lots include specific 2-pound bags of Frozen Raw White Vannamei Shrimp with item code 7383108 and lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1. Consumers who recently purchased these shrimp should discard them and consult a healthcare provider if concerned about exposure risks.

Dive Deeper:

• The FDA has recommended a recall of Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart due to potential contamination with cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. The contamination risk comes from a shipment processed by Indonesian company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati.

• Cesium-137 is a byproduct of nuclear reactions and is used in various medical devices. Although it is widespread and can be found in trace amounts in the environment, significant exposure can lead to severe health issues like cancer, radiation sickness, or even death.

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection initially detected cesium-137 in shipping containers at several U.S. ports, prompting the FDA to test samples, which revealed a small amount of the radioactive material in a different shrimp product from the same processor.

• The specific products under scrutiny are 2-pound bags of Frozen Raw White Vannamei Shrimp with item code 7383108 and lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, with a best-by date of 3/15/2027. These products have not tested positive for cesium-137 but were potentially exposed to unsanitary conditions.

• Consumers are advised to dispose of any affected shrimp and can seek medical advice if they are concerned about potential health impacts. The FDA continues to monitor the situation to ensure public safety and prevent any contaminated products from entering the U.S. market.