Walmart Recalls Frozen Shrimp Due to Potential Radioactive Contamination

KEY POINTS

• FDA warns against eating certain Great Value frozen shrimp sold at Walmart.

• Recalled shrimp may contain radioactive Cesium-137, posing long-term health risks.

• Affected products sold in 13 states; consumers should check freezers and dispose of impacted shrimp.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging consumers to not eat certain frozen raw shrimp products, according to a recent safety alert. This is due to a chemical contamination.

Two-pound bags of Great Value brand shrimp are currently impacted by this announcement. The Frozen Raw White Vannamei Shrimp sold at select Walmart locations have a best-by date of “3/15/2027” and one of the following lot codes: 8005538-1, 8005539-1 or 8005540-1.

According to Walmart, the products that are being recalled were sold in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia.

The shrimp is being removed from shelves because it may contain Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive chemical that may cause long-term health effects when ingested, including increased cancer risk. While the FDA states that no products available to consumers in the U.S. have tested positive for this isotope, still check your freezer and dispose of any of the potentially contaminated shrimp. Contact your local Walmart for a possible refund.

This investigation is ongoing, and more shrimp products across various brands may be recalled in the near future. EatingWell will update with the latest information. For questions about this health alert, contact the FDA by calling 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332).