Public Advised to Discard Walmart Frozen Shrimp Due to Cesium-137 Risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers to avoid eating certain frozen shrimp sold at Walmart due to potential contamination with radioactive cesium-137. Health officials are investigating reports of cesium-137 in shipping containers and frozen shrimp from an Indonesian company, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Food). Products sold in 13 U.S. states include Walmart's 'great value brand frozen shrimp.' The FDA advises affected customers to discard the shrimp immediately and consult health providers if exposed. Cesium-137, a radioactive form of cesium, is used in medical devices but can increase cancer risk with repeated exposure. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported detecting cesium-137 in shipping containers in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia, and all affected products were denied entry. Health officials note that while detected levels are below safety thresholds, the combination with environmental or medical radiation could pose a health risk.