FDA Investigates Radioactive Shrimp Recall Linked to Walmart

Published Time: 08-20-2025, 14:30

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation after traces of radioactive material were detected in imported shrimp distributed to Walmart. The discovery, confirmed through testing at several major U.S. ports, has prompted a nationwide recall and a consumer safety warning.

Officials said the contaminated seafood originated from an Indonesian supplier and contained Cesium-137, a radioactive substance linked to nuclear activity. The FDA is now coordinating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and international regulators to prevent further distribution of the affected products.

Contamination Detected at U.S. Ports

The issue came to light after CBP flagged irregularities during routine inspections of seafood shipments entering the United States. According to an FDA news release, testing revealed Cesium-137 contamination in frozen shrimp processed in Indonesia. The findings were made at four major entry points: Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia.

Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of Cesium-137 in at least one sample of breaded shrimp. As a result, the Indonesian supplier, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (also known as BMS Foods), was placed on the FDA’s “red list.” This designation bans the company’s products from being sold in the U.S. until the contamination issue is resolved.

Walmart Recall and Advisory

Following the alert, Walmart issued a recall of its Great Value brand raw frozen shrimp, acting on FDA’s directive. The affected products were reportedly distributed after CBP’s initial detection but from shipments that did not immediately test positive for radiation.

In a statement to FOX Business, Walmart emphasized its commitment to consumer safety:

“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. We have issued a sales restriction and removed this product from impacted stores. We are working closely with the supplier and authorities to investigate the issue.”

The FDA advised consumers not to eat or serve Great Value raw frozen shrimp with the following lot codes: 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1. Customers who have purchased the product are urged to dispose of it immediately.

Understanding Cesium-137 and Risks

Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a man-made radioactive isotope commonly produced during nuclear reactions. While trace amounts exist naturally in the environment through soil, air, and water, its presence in food is considered abnormal and a potential health risk.

The FDA explained that any unexpected detection of Cs-137 in food triggers a case-by-case safety review. In this instance, contamination appears to have occurred due to “unsanitary conditions” during processing and storage by the Indonesian supplier.

Ongoing Investigation

The FDA has confirmed that it is working with CBP and Indonesian seafood regulators to determine the root cause of the contamination and trace all affected products through the supply chain.

“Protecting public health is our highest priority. We are coordinating with international partners to ensure that contaminated food products do not enter U.S. markets,” the FDA said in its statement.

BMS Foods, the supplier linked to the contaminated shipment, has not issued a public response to requests for comment.

Consumer Guidance

Consumers are advised to check their freezers for the recalled shrimp products and to avoid serving them under any circumstances. The FDA stressed that proper disposal is the safest course of action, as cooking does not remove radioactive contamination.

The agency added that it will continue updating the public as the investigation progresses and additional information becomes available.

Key Takeaways

• FDA confirms Cesium-137 contamination in frozen shrimp imported from Indonesia.
• Affected products were sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand.
• Consumers should not eat shrimp with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, or 8005539-1.
• Supplier BMS Foods placed on FDA “red list” pending investigation.
• Ongoing coordination with CBP and Indonesian authorities to prevent further contamination.

Source: FOX Business – FDA issues warning, investigating after radioactive shrimp bound for Walmart detected at major US ports