THE Federal Food and Drug Administration is warning Americans to avoid purchasing a potentially radioactive product that’s being sold nationwide.
The FDA issued a recall for a food product containing radioactive isotopes that was sold at 13 Walmart retail stores nationwide.
Walmart is recalling a popular food item (stock photo)[/caption]
The product was found to be radioactive[/caption]
The FDA issued an alert to consumers[/caption]
The administration is urging consumers not to buy Great Value’s raw frozen shrimp because it may contain Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.
CS-137 can be found in trace amounts through the environment; however, when it’s found in larger quantities, it can warrant concern.
Ingesting too much can cause burns, acute radiation sickness or even death.
Customers are encouraged to go to their healthcare providers if they are feeling any of those symptoms after consuming the shrimp.
Following an investigation, the FDA found that the shrimp, packaged by Bahari Makmur Sejati, was prepared under unsanitary conditions, potentially exposing it to cross-contamination.
Initially, the FDA did not find any positive tests of CS-137, “At this time, no product that has tested positive or alerted for Cesium-137 has entered the U.S. commerce.”
“[The] FDA is working with distributors and retailers that received product from Bahari Makmur Sejati, after the date of the first detection of Cs-137 by Customs & Border Protection, but from shipments that did not alert for Cs-137, recommends that firms conduct a recall.”
However, on August 19, the store found four cases of shrimp that tested positive for CS-137.
“FDA collected multiple samples for radionuclide analysis, with results confirming the presence of Cs-137 in one sample of breaded shrimp,” the agency reported.
“All containers and product testing positive or alerting for Cs-137 have been denied entry into the country.
“The agency continues to coordinate with CBP to prevent any contaminated products from reaching consumers and is working with Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to investigate the root cause of the contamination.”
The FDA also noted that none of the packages currently being sold have tested positive for CS-137, but warns customers to be cautious of any packages they have purchased.
“If you have recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart that matches this description, throw it away,” the FDA warned.
“Do not eat or serve this product.”
Shrimp products being recalled
- Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, 2lb bag, lot code: 8005540-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
- Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, 2lb bag, lot code: 8005538-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
- Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, 2lb bag, lot code: 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
The administration added an import alert to all packages from Bahari Makmur Sejati is due to the possible risk of cross-contamination.
The alert will remain on the products until the issue is resolved.
Walmart released a statement assuring customers the store is committed to their safety.
“Walmart and Sam’s Club are committed to the health and safety of our customers and members and to providing products that are safe and compliant, all supported by our health and wellness, product safety, and food safety professionals,” the company wrote.
“In the event of a product recall, we work swiftly to block the item from being sold and remove it from our stores and clubs.”
The frozen shrimp was sold at stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
