FDA Recalls Frozen Shrimp Suspected of Being Radioactive at Walmart, Originated in Indonesia?

Liputan6.com, Jakarta The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an official warning to the public to avoid consuming a number of frozen shrimp products sold through the Walmart retail chain.

This warning follows the discovery of suspected contamination with the radioactive material Cesium-137 (Cs-137) in frozen shrimp products from Indonesia, as reported by CNN.

This action was taken after US customs authorities detected the presence of this radioactive isotope in shipping containers and imported frozen shrimp products.

The FDA emphasizes the importance of immediate precautionary measures for the public who have purchased these frozen shrimp products.

JUST IN: Radioactive shrimp has hit the grocery shelves and everyone is trying to secure a bag. https://t.co/L3jhw73A1Y pic.twitter.com/s47QQTwP8T

— TBC (@TBC_on_X) August 19, 2025

The primary contamination concern is the radioactive isotope Cesium-137 (Cs-137), detected in shipping containers and the frozen shrimp products themselves.

In a press release, the FDA revealed that traces of Cs-137 were found in frozen shrimp processed by PT Bahari Makmur Sejati Indonesia (BMS Food).

The frozen shrimp product included in this warning is Walmart's Great Value brand.

This shrimp has been widely distributed in 13 US states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.

Repeated exposure to low doses of Cs-137 can increase the risk of cancer due to DNA damage in living cells.

Although the detected isotope levels are below levels of immediate concern, the recall is being conducted to prevent long-term accumulation of low-dose exposure, potentially leading to serious health problems.

The FDA urges the public to immediately avoid consuming frozen shrimp products linked to BMS Food.

If purchased, discard the product and do not consume or serve it to anyone.

In a swift response, Walmart has also recalled the affected frozen shrimp products from its stores in the 13 states.

Furthermore, the company is offering full refunds to customers who purchased the products.

The FDA confirmed it is conducting an in-depth investigation to track the source of the contamination and assess the health risks to consumers.

The contamination was detected by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at four major ports: Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami.

Containers that tested positive for Cs-137 were immediately denied entry into the United States.

Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a radioisotope of cesium produced artificially through nuclear reactions.

Due to its widespread distribution worldwide, traces of Cs-137 can be found in the environment, including soil, food, and air, albeit at varying levels.