Walmart Initiates Recall of Great Value Shrimp Over Potential Radioactive Contamination

August 20, 2025 | U.S. News Desk

Walmart is recalling certain frozen shrimp products. This comes after federal authorities found cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in one shipment. They warn customers not to eat the affected items.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns about three lots of Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp. The lot codes are 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1. All have a best-by date of March 15, 2027, and may have been exposed to cesium-137 during shipping from an Indonesian supplier. The contaminated sample didn’t enter U.S. commerce. However, the FDA told Walmart to pull all possibly affected shipments from the shelves as a safety measure.

The recall includes Walmart stores in: - Alabama - Arkansas - Florida - Georgia - Kentucky - Louisiana - Mississippi - Missouri - Ohio - Oklahoma - Pennsylvania - Texas - West Virginia If you bought the recalled shrimp, please dispose of it right away. You can also return it to any Walmart for a full refund.

Donald Schaffner, a food-safety expert at Rutgers University, said the risk from trace contamination is “quite low.” He pointed out that cesium-137 comes from nuclear reactions and is found everywhere in small amounts. However, being around low-level radiation for a long time can raise cancer risk. That’s why the FDA has decided to recall products as a precaution to protect health.

Walmart spokespersons stated, “The health and safety of our customers is always a priority. We’ve put a sales ban in place and taken the affected product out of our stores. We are working with our supplier to look into the issue. Also, refunds are available for customers who bought the recalled shrimp.