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Here’s the latest update (as of August 21, 2025) regarding the possible radioactive contamination of imported breaded shrimp from Indonesia being sold at Walmart:
What Has Happened So Far
1. Detection of Radioactive Contamination
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detected cesium-137 (Cs-137)—a radioactive isotope—in shipping containers of frozen shrimp arriving from Indonesia at multiple ports (Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami) Southern LivingDelishU.S. Food and Drug AdministrationEl País.
The FDA then tested one sample of breaded shrimp processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), confirming the presence of Cs-137 U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSouthern LivingPopular MechanicsPeople.com.
2. Recall and Import Alert
Even though no confirmed contaminated shrimp have entered U.S. commerce, the FDA recommended recallingother shrimp shipments from the same supplier as a precaution El PaísSouthern LivingU.S. Food and Drug AdministrationPeople.com.
The FDA placed BMS Foods on a "red list", issuing an import alert (Import Alert #99-51 for chemical contamination) to block further imports until safety issues are resolved Southern LivingU.S. Food and Drug Administration.
3. Products and Locations Affected
The recall includes three lots of Great Value frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart, with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, all carrying a best-by date of March 15, 2027 El PaísPeople.comU.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Impacted states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia El PaísPeople.comU.S. Food and Drug Administration.
4. Health Risks
Detected Cs-137 levels (~68 Bq/kg) were well below the FDA's Derived Intervention Level of 1200 Bq/kg, meaning they do not pose an immediate acute hazard U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSouthern LivingPeople.com.
However, the FDA emphasizes that prolonged, low-dose exposure to Cs-137 can increase the risk of long-term health effects, including cancer, due to cumulative cellular DNA damage U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSouthern LivingPeople.com.
5. Walmart’s Actions
Walmart has removed the affected products from its stores in the impacted regions, offered refunds, and is cooperating with the FDA and supplier to investigate further El PaísNew York PostAxiosMySA.
6. Ongoing Investigation
The FDA investigation remains ongoing. The agency is working with CBP and Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to trace the root cause of contamination and ensure no further tainted shipments enter the U.S. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationNew York PostSouthern Living.
7. Public Messaging and Responses
In San Antonio, Groomer's Seafood Market made a lighthearted social media quip: "No glow-in-the-dark seafood here!" to reassure customers about the safety of their locally sourced Gulf shrimp MySA.
Summary
Key Concern: Detection of Cs-137 in a shipment of frozen breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia triggered a FDA advisory and recall of specific Great Value shrimp lots at Walmart.
Consumer Alert: If you have Great Value frozen shrimp with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, or 8005539-1, best-by March 15, 2027, do not consume it—either dispose of it safely or return it for a refund.
Current Status: No immediate health threat documented, but potential long-term risks warrant precautionary removal from circulation. Investigations and import bans remain in place.
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