The FDA warns about a possible health risk linked to shrimp sold under Walmart's Great Value brand, while the retailer assures safety measures are in place.
**Radioactive Shrimp Recall: Walmart Responds to FDA Alert**
**Radioactive Shrimp Recall: Walmart Responds to FDA Alert**
Walmart recalls shrimp products over concerns of contamination by radioactive material, impacting consumers in 13 states.
Walmart has taken precautionary measures by recalling specific shrimp products in the United States after the discovery of radioactive material in a shipment. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning, advising consumers to avoid eating frozen shrimp sold under the retailer’s Great Value label, as these products may have been contaminated during transport.
A sample of breaded shrimp was found with traces of a dangerous isotope, but the FDA confirmed that this batch "did not enter US commerce." Customers across 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Texas, have been instructed to dispose of any recently purchased products from three affected batches.
"Walmart prioritizes the health and safety of our customers," stated a company spokesperson, confirming that the shrimp has been removed from sale in impacted stores. They are collaborating with the supplier to further investigate the matter. Customers who bought the recalled items can receive a full refund at any Walmart store.
The shrimp in question originated from an Indonesian supplier and had encountered several shipping complications, with containers now barred from entering the US. The FDA detected Caesium-137 in one shipment—known for its radioactive properties—though officials note the amount in the shipment was insufficient to cause severe immediate health risks. However, prolonged exposure to this isotope can increase the risk of cancer by damaging living cells.
Caesium-137 arises from nuclear reactions and can be found in minimal levels within the environment; it is notably connected to radiation incidences like those at Chernobyl and Fukushima. The FDA announced that while no other samples tested positive for Caesium-137, consumers should remain vigilant, and potential contamination cannot be entirely dismissed.
A sample of breaded shrimp was found with traces of a dangerous isotope, but the FDA confirmed that this batch "did not enter US commerce." Customers across 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Texas, have been instructed to dispose of any recently purchased products from three affected batches.
"Walmart prioritizes the health and safety of our customers," stated a company spokesperson, confirming that the shrimp has been removed from sale in impacted stores. They are collaborating with the supplier to further investigate the matter. Customers who bought the recalled items can receive a full refund at any Walmart store.
The shrimp in question originated from an Indonesian supplier and had encountered several shipping complications, with containers now barred from entering the US. The FDA detected Caesium-137 in one shipment—known for its radioactive properties—though officials note the amount in the shipment was insufficient to cause severe immediate health risks. However, prolonged exposure to this isotope can increase the risk of cancer by damaging living cells.
Caesium-137 arises from nuclear reactions and can be found in minimal levels within the environment; it is notably connected to radiation incidences like those at Chernobyl and Fukushima. The FDA announced that while no other samples tested positive for Caesium-137, consumers should remain vigilant, and potential contamination cannot be entirely dismissed.
