Walmart has initiated a recall of shrimp sold under its Great Value label after the FDA detected radioactive cesium-137 in a shipment from Indonesia. Although no contaminated products reached consumers, shoppers across 13 states are urged to discard recent purchases.
Walmart Issues Recall for Shrimp Products Amid Radioactive Contamination Concerns
Walmart Issues Recall for Shrimp Products Amid Radioactive Contamination Concerns
The retail giant Walmart has recalled certain shrimp products across multiple states due to potential contamination with radioactive material. The FDA has advised consumers to be cautious regarding recent purchases.
In a surprising development, Walmart has recalled certain shrimp products in the United States due to potential radioactive contamination. The move follows a warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the discovery of radioactive cesium-137 in one shipment of seafood destined for Walmart. The FDA stated that a sample of breaded shrimp tested positive for the radioactive substance, although officials confirmed that this particular lot "did not enter US commerce."
The recall affects shrimp products sold under Walmart's Great Value label, with the FDA advising consumers in 13 US states to throw away any recently purchased items from the affected batches. The states impacted include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
A Walmart spokesperson emphasized the company's commitment to customer safety, stating, "The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority." The spokesperson added that the company has imposed a sales restriction and removed the recalled products from shelves in the affected stores. Customers who have purchased these shrimp products can return them to any Walmart location for a full refund.
The implicated shrimp originated from an Indonesian supplier that has faced issues with shipping containers being denied entry to the US. The FDA's analysis revealed the presence of cesium-137, which is created through nuclear reactions and is commonly found in trace amounts in soil, food, and air globally. This radioactive isotope is known for its risks, particularly as one of the major sources of radiation in the aftermath of disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima.
While the FDA reported that no traces of cesium-137 were detected in other shrimp products, they cautioned that this does not eliminate the possibility of contamination entirely. The agency warned that while the amount found in the shipment was not likely to cause acute harm, long-term exposure could elevate cancer risks by damaging living cells. As the investigation continues, consumers are advised to remain vigilant regarding their seafood purchases.
The recall affects shrimp products sold under Walmart's Great Value label, with the FDA advising consumers in 13 US states to throw away any recently purchased items from the affected batches. The states impacted include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
A Walmart spokesperson emphasized the company's commitment to customer safety, stating, "The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority." The spokesperson added that the company has imposed a sales restriction and removed the recalled products from shelves in the affected stores. Customers who have purchased these shrimp products can return them to any Walmart location for a full refund.
The implicated shrimp originated from an Indonesian supplier that has faced issues with shipping containers being denied entry to the US. The FDA's analysis revealed the presence of cesium-137, which is created through nuclear reactions and is commonly found in trace amounts in soil, food, and air globally. This radioactive isotope is known for its risks, particularly as one of the major sources of radiation in the aftermath of disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima.
While the FDA reported that no traces of cesium-137 were detected in other shrimp products, they cautioned that this does not eliminate the possibility of contamination entirely. The agency warned that while the amount found in the shipment was not likely to cause acute harm, long-term exposure could elevate cancer risks by damaging living cells. As the investigation continues, consumers are advised to remain vigilant regarding their seafood purchases.
