The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers about potential contamination of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in Great Value raw frozen shrimp imported from Indonesia and sold at Walmart stores. The shrimp were processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods).
The alert was issued on August 19, 2025. The recalled products were distributed in at least 13 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Consumers are advised to discard or return affected shrimp immediately.
The contamination was first detected in shipping containers at four U.S. ports—Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami—by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP). Laboratory tests by the FDA confirmed detectable levels of Cesium-137 in one sample of breaded shrimp. While levels are below federal intervention thresholds, prolonged consumption could pose potential health risks, including increased cancer likelihood.
In response, Walmart has been advised to recall specific lots with best-by dates of March 15, 2027 (lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, 8005539-1). The FDA continues to investigate and trace all affected products through the supply chain and is coordinating with Indonesian authorities to determine the source of contamination and prevent further risks to U.S. consumers.
Product Descriptions
| Brand | Product Name | Product Type | Best By | Item Code | Lot Code | Distributor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Value | Frozen Raw White Vannamei Shrimp | Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, 2lb bag | 3/15/2027 | 7383108 | 8005540-1 | Walmart |
| Great Value | Frozen Raw White Vannamei Shrimp | Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, 2lb bag | 3/15/2027 | 7383108 | 8005538-1 | Walmart |
| Great Value | Frozen Raw White Vannamei Shrimp | Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, 2lb bag | 3/15/2027 | 7383108 | 8005539-1 | Walmart |
Consumers, distributors, and retailers should not eat, serve or sell impacted lots of Great Value raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart.
— U.S. FDA Human Foods Program (@FDAfood) August 19, 2025
For more information on lot codes, production dates and actions you should take read FDA's advisory. https://t.co/eO87TdXbtx pic.twitter.com/vU1Brqg89Q
