News Summary
Walmart has issued a recall on its Great Value frozen shrimp products after the FDA detected Cesium-137 in a sample. Though the contaminated shrimp didn’t reach store shelves, consumers in 13 states need to check their purchases. Walmart is offering refunds for the recalled items and emphasizes customer safety as a priority. The health risks associated with Cesium-137 prompted this precautionary action, and the supplier is under scrutiny for possible contamination of other products. Stay informed to ensure your family’s safety.
Walmart Pulls Great Value Shrimp Products Due to Radiation Concerns
In a recent turn of events, Walmart is issuing a recall on its frozen shrimp products branded under the Great Value label. This action comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered the presence of a radioactive material known as Cesium-137 (Cs-137) in a shipment of shrimp. If you’re a shrimp lover, it’s time to take a closer look at what’s in your freezer!
What Happened?
To keep everyone safe, the FDA has warned consumers not to eat any shrimp products that may have been contaminated. Alarmingly, one sample of breaded shrimp tested positive for Cs-137. Fortunately, this particular sample never made it onto store shelves in the U.S. However, it’s essential for customers to double-check their recent purchases.
Which States Are Affected?
The recall affects consumers in 13 states, including:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- West Virginia
If you’re in one of these states and recently bought Great Value shrimp, make sure to check your freezer, and don’t hesitate to dispose of any affected batches!
What Is Cesium-137?
So, what’s the big deal about Cs-137? This radioactive isotope can potentially pose long-term health risks, including an increased risk of cancer. The FDA has clarified that while the amount detected in the shrimp was relatively low—around 68 Bq/kg—it is still notably below their threshold of concern (1200 Bq/kg) for food imports. However, repeated exposure to any level of radiation can have harmful effects, especially as it can damage DNA in living cells.
Walmart’s Response
In an effort to ensure customer safety, Walmart is taking immediate action. They have removed the affected shrimp products from their shelves and implemented sales restrictions on these items. A Walmart spokesperson reassured the public that the health and safety of customers is their priority, and they are fully cooperating with the supplier to investigate this unsettling issue.
What Should You Do?
If you purchased the affected shrimp products, Walmart is offering full refunds for the recalled items. Simply return the product to your local store to receive your money back!
Additionally, if you suspect you may have consumed contaminated shrimp, it’s best to reach out to your healthcare provider. Staying informed and acting quickly can help ensure that you and your loved ones are safe.
What About Other Products?
The FDA has expressed concerns about contamination not only in the Great Value products but also in other goods from the same supplier, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, which has been placed on an import alert. This means that none of their food products will be allowed entry into the U.S. until this issue is fully resolved.
Stay Safe Out There!
While it’s always concerning to hear about potential food contamination, staying informed can help keep your family safe. Ensure that you double-check your purchases and don’t hesitate to take necessary precautions. Your health matters, so keep an eye on your shrimp supply!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- USA Today
- Wikipedia: Cesium
- BBC News
- Google Search: Walmart shrimp recall
- CBS News
- Google Scholar: radioactive shrimp
- TIME
- Encyclopedia Britannica: radioactivity
- NBC Chicago
- Google News: radioactive shrimp recall
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
