Nuclear shrimp warning issued in US

Potentially contaminated imported frozen seafood could pose health risks if consumed, the FDA has warned

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged consumers not to eat, sell, or serve a certain brand of frozen raw shrimp, warning it may contain a dangerous radioactive isotope.

The FDA detected cesium‑137 in a shipment imported into the US by Indonesian firm PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) and distributed under Walmart’s Great Value label in 13 states, including Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania.

While no confirmed contaminated product has entered American stores, authorities have urged caution.

“If you recently purchased one of the impacted lots of Great Value raw frozen shrimp from Walmart, throw it away. Do not eat or serve this product,” the FDA said in a statement on Tuesday. “Distributors and retailers should dispose of this product and should not sell or serve this product.”

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Customs officials first flagged the problem after detecting cesium‑137 in shipping containers at ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah and Miami. The FDA confirmed that at least one sample of breaded shrimp tested positive for the isotope. Though levels were below the agency’s Derived Intervention Level, it denied entry to all suspect shipments.

Walmart has removed the frozen shrimp from its stores and instructed customers to discard them or seek a refund.

Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope produced by nuclear fission that can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer if ingested.