FDA Issues Warning Over Potentially Radioactive Shrimp Sold at Walmart

On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned people not to eat, sell, or serve specific Great Value brand frozen shrimp from Walmart. Tests found traces of cesium-137 (Cs-137) in shipments at several U.S. ports.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), shipping containers of breaded shrimp processed by Indonesia’s PT. BMS Foods was found to have Cs-137 at ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, Georgia, and Miami. No contaminated product has reached store shelves, but FDA tests found Cs-137 in a sample of breaded shrimp from BMS Foods. The agency has put BMS Foods on import alert. They are working with Indonesian regulators to find the source of the contamination.

Affected products are two-pound bags of Great Value Raw EZ Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp. Check the lot codes and best-by dates:

These products went to Walmart stores in 13 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. If you bought any of the affected lots, please throw them away right away.

FDA officials pointed out that the Cs-137 levels found don’t pose an immediate health hazard. However, being exposed for a long time—even to low doses—can raise cancer risk. This risk is higher when added to background radiation and other sources, like medical treatments. The agency is still working with CBP to stop more contaminated shipments. They also urge consumers to check their freezers and throw away any affected products.