Attention, shoppers! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent warning to Atlanta consumers not to eat, sell, or serve certain lots of Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart stores due to potential contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.
The recall, prompted by detections at the Port of Savannah and other U.S. ports, has raised alarms about food safety in the region.
Walmart Shrimp Recall: What To Know
The affected products, sourced from Indonesian supplier PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), include Great Value Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp in 2-pound bags with the following lot codes and best-by date:
- Lot code: 8005540-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
- Lot code: 8005538-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
- Lot code: 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
These products were distributed to Walmart stores across Georgia, including numerous locations in the Atlanta metro area, as well as 12 other states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.T
he FDA’s investigation began after U.S. Customs and Border Protection detected Cesium-137 in shipping containers at four U.S. ports, including Savannah, Georgia, a major hub for imported goods. While no contaminated shrimp has entered U.S. commerce, the FDA confirmed the presence of Cesium-137 in a sample of breaded shrimp from the same supplier, prompting a precautionary recall.
The agency noted that the affected shrimp “appears to have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions,” potentially leading to contamination.
Walmart has acted swiftly, issuing a sales restriction and removing the implicated products from shelves in affected stores.
“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” said Kelly Hellbusch, a Walmart spokesperson. “We are working with the supplier to investigate and have recalled the product from impacted stores. Customers can return these products to any Walmart location for a full refund.”
Cesium-137, a man-made radioactive isotope produced during nuclear reactions, is a concern due to its potential to increase cancer risk with prolonged low-level exposure.
While the FDA emphasizes that the detected levels are below its “derived intervention level” and pose no immediate health hazard, the recall aims to minimize any long-term risks. Consumers who suspect exposure to elevated levels of Cesium-137 are advised to consult their healthcare provider.
Atlanta residents are urged to check their freezers for the recalled shrimp and dispose of any matching products immediately. “If you’ve got Great Value frozen shrimp with these lot codes, don’t cook it, don’t eat it—throw it away,” the FDA stated. Local health officials are also encouraging Atlantans to stay informed through the FDA’s website and Walmart’s recall page for updates.
The recall has sparked concern among Atlanta’s seafood consumers, given the city’s proximity to the Port of Savannah, where some of the contaminated shipments were intercepted. Georgia’s shrimping industry, already grappling with challenges from foreign competition, has called for stronger federal oversight of imported seafood.
Final Word
The FDA is collaborating with Indonesian regulatory authorities to investigate the root cause of the contamination and has placed BMS Foods on an import alert, banning their products from U.S. markets until the issue is resolved.
For Atlanta shoppers, this recall serves as a reminder to verify product details and stay vigilant about food safety. Consumers with questions can contact Walmart or visit the FDA’s Industry and Consumer Assistance portal to report concerns or adverse reactions.
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