Walmart recalls shrimp due to potential radioactive contamination
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalls frozen shrimp sold at Walmart due to potential radioactive contamination.
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More than 85,000 bags of shrimp sold at grocery stores across the United States have been recalled, adding it to an increasing list of products flagged for potential radioactive contamination.
Aquastar Corp of Seattle recalls of 49,920 bags of Kroger Raw Colossal Ez Peel Shrimp, 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peel-Off Shrimp, 17,264 bags of Aquastar Raw Peeled Tail-On-On tail-on shrimp grazing, Cesium-137, “According to a notification on the US Food and Drug Administration website on September 21.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, cesium-137 is a radioactive chemical produced by nuclear fission for use in medical devices and gauges. The recall notice said trace amounts of cesium-137 are widespread in the environment, but said repeated exposure to substance-contaminated food or water could lead to an increased risk of cancer.
The recall comes weeks after Walmart and Southwind Foods in Carson, California issued a recall of shrimp packets on similar concerns.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest recalls:
Where was the shrimp sold?
The shrimp package is sold between Baker, City Market, Dillon, Food 4, Food Sco, Fred Meyer, Fry, Jabes, Jay C, King Supers, Kroger, Mariano, Metro Market, Metro Market, Super Payment, Pick and Save, Smith 17, Smith 17, and QFC.
- Alabama Alaska, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Tenny Virginia, Oregon, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Which shrimp packets have been recalled?
The recall includes a 2-pound packet of Kroger Raw Colossal Ez Peel Shrimp packaged in a clear printing bag with blue bands on top and yellow and red details. The recall contains items that contain the following code:
- UPC 20011110643906, lot code 10662 5085 10, best suited for use: 03-26-27
- UPC 20011110643906, lot code 10662 5097 11, best when using: 04-07-27
- UPC 20011110643906, lot code 10662 5106 11, best when using: 04-6-27
- UPC 20011110643906, lot code 10662 5107 10, best suited for use: 04-17-27
- UPC 20011110643906, lot code 10662 5111 11, best suited for use: 04-21-27
- UPC 20011110643906, lot code 10662 5112 10, best suited for use: 04-22-27
- UPC 20011110643906, lot code 10662 5113 10, best suited for use: 04-23-27
- UPC 20011110643906, lot code 10662 5113 11, best case: 04-23-27
- UPC 20011110643906, lot code 10662 5114 10, best suited for use: 04-24-27
- UPC 20011110643906, lot code 10662 5114 11, best case: 04-24-27
The recall also includes a 2 pound bag of Kroger Mercado-cooked medium peel-off shrimp packaged in a clear plastic bag with a white label with green stripes on top of each bag.
- UPC 011110626196, lot code 10662 5112 11, best: 10-22-2027
- UPC 011110626196, lot code 10662 5113 10, best: 10-23-2027
It also includes skewers from Aquastar Raw Peeled Tail-On Esh, weighing 1.25 pounds, with a black top and blue bottom, a printed photo of the skewers, packed in a printed bag with the following code:
- UPC 731149390010, lot code 10662 5127 10, best suited for use: 11-07-2027
- UPC 731149390010, lot code 10662 5128 11, best suited for use: 11-08-2027
- UPC 731149390010, lot code 10662 5133 11, best suited for use: 11 13-2027
- UPC 731149390010, lot code 10662 5135 10, best suited for use: 11-15-2027
No disease has been reported so far, but the FDA said it is actively investigating reports of cesium 137 (CS-137) contamination in shipping containers and frozen shrimp products processed by Indonesia’s Pt. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods).
Food officials said in August that “no products tested positive or warned about cesium 137 (CS-137) have participated in US commercial transactions.”
pt. Maritime Makmur Sejati has been placed under import warning
pt. Bahari Makmur Sejati also suffers from import warnings for chemical pollution. This prevents company food from entering the US until it resolves conditions that could cause exposure.
The FDA is working with Indonesia’s seafood regulators to investigate the cause of the contamination, USA Today previously reported.
What should I do if I remember shrimp?
If you purchase one of the affected shrimp packages, please do not throw it away and eat it or serve it, the FDA notice states. Customers may also return the purchase location for a full refund.
Customers can also contact the company Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm at 1-800-331-3440 if they have questions.
Anyone who fears they are exposed to rising cesium levels should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Consumers can visit the FDA’s industry and consumer support portal to file a complaint or report adverse reactions.
What is Cesium 137 (CS-137)? Why is it regulated?
CS-137 is a radioactive same-sex material of cesium. In other words, it is a chemical element that emits radiation when it fails. According to the FDA, they are humans created and produced by nuclear fission. In the United States, it is used in medical devices and measuring gauges, including industrial devices that measure material thickness.
“This is also one of the by-products of the nuclear fission process in nuclear reactor and nuclear weapons testing,” the EPA said.
As it is spreading around the world, trace quantities can be found in the environment, including soil, food and air, the FDA said. The FDA and agencies including the US Customs and Border Protection test, monitor and regulate the presence of substances due to risks associated with long-term exposure.
Low levels of radiation exposure over time can lead to serious health complications, the FDA said. Exposure to CS-137 alone can cause burns, acute radiation disease, cancer and death. As a result, agencies limit potential exposures and reduce the likelihood of these long-term effects.
Contributions: Julia Gomez, Mary Walras Holdridge USA TODAY
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA Today. Contact her at sshafiq @gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
