Walmart has initiated a nationwide recall of certain frozen shrimp products following a warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding possible radioactive contamination. The alert arose when the FDA discovered that some shrimp under Walmart's Great Value label may have been subjected to exposure from a harmful isotope during shipping.
One instance of breaded shrimp tested positive for Caesium-137, a radioactive isotope linked to nuclear reactions. Fortunately, the FDA has clarified that the contaminated sample did not make its way into the market. Nonetheless, consumers across 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and others, have been urged to check their freezers and discard any products from three specific batches of shrimp.
A Walmart representative reassured customers, stating, "The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. We have issued a sales restriction and removed this product from our impacted stores." The retail giant further emphasized that affected customers could obtain full refunds at any Walmart location.
The shrimp in question originated from an Indonesian supplier that has had multiple shipping containers barred from entering the United States. While the amount of Caesium-137 detected in the shipment was deemed insufficient to pose an immediate threat, health officials warned about the potential long-term risks associated with exposure, such as elevated cancer risk due to cellular damage.
Caesium-137 can be found in trace amounts naturally in the environment but is more commonly associated with areas around nuclear disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima. The FDA noted that its tests on other shrimp products showed no signs of contamination, but they still advise consumers to remain vigilant.
One instance of breaded shrimp tested positive for Caesium-137, a radioactive isotope linked to nuclear reactions. Fortunately, the FDA has clarified that the contaminated sample did not make its way into the market. Nonetheless, consumers across 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and others, have been urged to check their freezers and discard any products from three specific batches of shrimp.
A Walmart representative reassured customers, stating, "The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. We have issued a sales restriction and removed this product from our impacted stores." The retail giant further emphasized that affected customers could obtain full refunds at any Walmart location.
The shrimp in question originated from an Indonesian supplier that has had multiple shipping containers barred from entering the United States. While the amount of Caesium-137 detected in the shipment was deemed insufficient to pose an immediate threat, health officials warned about the potential long-term risks associated with exposure, such as elevated cancer risk due to cellular damage.
Caesium-137 can be found in trace amounts naturally in the environment but is more commonly associated with areas around nuclear disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima. The FDA noted that its tests on other shrimp products showed no signs of contamination, but they still advise consumers to remain vigilant.
