Walmart has issued a recall for certain shrimp products across 13 states in the U.S. following the detection of radioactive contamination in one shipment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that frozen shrimp sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand may have come into contact with a hazardous isotope during transit.
Although a sample of breaded shrimp tested positive for the isotope cesium-137, the FDA noted that this particular sample did not enter the U.S. marketplace. As a precaution, consumers who recently purchased shrimp from Walmart are encouraged to discard any that fits the affected description and refrain from consuming it.
A Walmart spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to customer safety and stated that sales have been restricted and the product removed from affected stores. The spokesperson also mentioned that customers seeking refunds could return the recalled items to any Walmart location.
The affected shrimp was sold in various states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia, advising consumers in these areas to remain vigilant. The shrimp originated from an Indonesian supplier, which has had several shipping containers blocked from entering the U.S., according to the FDA.
While the radioactive material found in the shipment was not at levels considered acutely harmful, prolonged exposure could raise cancer risks due to cellular damage, according to FDA officials. It remains noteworthy how such scenarios will influence industry practices and consumer confidence moving forward.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ypg4rgnrno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss