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The supermarket chain Walmart has removed several batches of frozen raw shrimp from its Great Value brand from its shelves in Florida and 12 other states in the United States due to a serious health alert.
The withdrawal occurred after health authorities detected the presence of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope that could pose a risk to human health.
The warning originated from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), following an initial alert from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which detected radiation in import containers that arrived at key ports such as Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah.
According to the report, Cesium-137 was found both in the containers and in a specific sample of frozen breaded shrimp from Indonesia.
The recalled products were processed by the company P.T. Bahari Makmur Sejati, also known as BMS Foods, based in Indonesia.
Investigations suggest that this company may be operating under unsafe conditions, which led U.S. authorities to block the entry of new shipments of shrimp from that source.
What is Cesium-137 and why is it concerning?
Cesium-137 is a byproduct of nuclear reactions and can be found after atomic bomb detonations, reactor operations, and nuclear accidents.
It is widely distributed in the environment, although at minimal levels. In this case, although the traces found are below the FDA's intervention threshold, the agency believes that cumulative exposure—even at low levels—may pose a potential long-term health risk.
"Prolonged exposure, even at low levels, can increase the risk of developing cancer," the FDA explained, emphasizing that avoiding the consumption of contaminated products "could reduce exposure to low-level radiation that could cause health issues over time."
Food safety expert Donald Schaffner from Rutgers University noted that the immediate risk is low, but he agreed that prevention is the most prudent measure.
Affected products and statuses
The recalled products are frozen raw shrimp from the brand Great Value, Walmart's private label. Three lots with potential contamination have been identified:
Batch 8005538-1.
Lot 8005539-1.
Batch 8005540-1.
All have an expiration date of March 15, 2027, and were distributed in Walmart stores in the following states:
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
Walmart's reaction
Following the notification from the FDA, Walmart acted quickly to withdraw the products, as confirmed by a company spokesperson in statements collected by Associated Press.
Additionally, the company is working with the authorities to track the whereabouts of all affected batches and ensure they do not remain in circulation.
Although part of the contaminated shipment was blocked at the ports, it was confirmed that some products reached stores before the problem was detected.
Recommendations for consumers
The FDA has issued a direct recommendation:
"If you have recently purchased frozen raw shrimp at Walmart that matches this description, please dispose of them."
The agency added that consumers can also return products to any Walmart store for a refund.
Additionally, they recommend consulting a doctor if there are any doubts about exposure or possible symptoms related to radiation, although no cases of poisoning have been reported so far.
The FDA continues to investigate the production processes of the Indonesian company BMS Foods, which has been temporarily banned from exporting to the U.S. until the situation is clarified and safety in its processing and packaging procedures is ensured.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Recall of Frozen Shrimp from Walmart Due to Radioactive Contamination
Why did Walmart remove frozen shrimp from its stores?
Walmart removed the frozen raw shrimp from its Great Value brand due to the detection of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in some batches. The contamination was identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following an alert from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
What is Cesium-137 and why is it dangerous?
Cesium-137 is a byproduct of nuclear reactions and can be found following atomic bomb detonations, reactor operations, and nuclear accidents. Prolonged exposure to Cesium-137, even at low levels, can increase the risk of developing cancer, according to the FDA. Therefore, avoiding the consumption of contaminated products is an important preventive measure.
Which batches of shrimp are affected by contamination?
The affected batches are: 8005538-1, 8005539-1, and 8005540-1, all with an expiration date of March 15, 2027. These products were distributed in Walmart stores across 13 states in the U.S., including Florida, Texas, and Georgia, among others.
What should consumers who bought these shrimp do?
The FDA recommends that consumers discard the affected frozen raw shrimp. They can also return them to any Walmart store for a refund. It is advised to consult a doctor if there are any concerns about exposure or symptoms related to radiation.
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