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Shrimp Potentially Contaminated with Radioactive Material May Have Been Sold at Walmart, Other Stores in PA

Potentially contaminated with cesium-137

Frozen shrimp recently recalled over contamination concerns may have been available for purchase at Walmart locations across Pennsylvania, federal health officials have warned.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart is part of a nationwide recall due to potential chemical contamination linked to a shipment from an Indonesian supplier, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods).

Although no contaminated product has entered the U.S. marketplace, the FDA flagged one shipment for the presence of cesium-137, a radioactive substance.

The recalled product — Great Value Frozen Raw Shrimp EZ-Peel & Deveined Tail-On 21-25 Per lb — was sold in 2-pound bags with a best-by date of March 15, 2027, UPC code 078742133898, and lot codes 8005538-1, 8005539-1, and 8005540-1. It was available for consumer purchase at select Walmart locations in Pennsylvania and 12 other states between July 28 and August 7, 2025.

The FDA is advising the public to immediately discard any affected products. Consumers, distributors, and retailers are urged not to eat, sell, or serve the recalled shrimp.

Although the contaminated shipment was stopped before entering U.S. commerce, FDA officials say the company violated the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act because the shrimp may have been prepared or stored under conditions that could pose health risks.

What is Cesium-137?

Cesium-137 is a radioactive material. The shipment tested at 68 Bq/kg — well below the FDA’s intervention level — but long-term exposure to even low levels may increase the risk of cancer. The recall is a precaution aimed at reducing unnecessary radiation exposure over time.

Additional Recalls and Broader Impact

In addition to the Walmart-branded shrimp, another company, Southwind Foods, recalled multiple brands of frozen shrimp that were distributed in Pennsylvania and eight other states.

Here is specific information on the recalled products possibly available at Walmart:

BrandProduct NameProduct TypeBest ByUPC CodeLot CodeRetailer
Great ValueGreat Value Frozen Raw Shrimp EZ-Peel & Deveined Tail-On 21-25 Per lbFrozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, 2lb bag3/15/20270787421338988005540-1Walmart
Great ValueGreat Value Frozen Raw Shrimp EZ-Peel & Deveined Tail-On 21-25 Per lbFrozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, 2lb bag3/15/20270787421338988005538-1Walmart
Great ValueGreat Value Frozen Raw Shrimp EZ-Peel & Deveined Tail-On 21-25 Per lbFrozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp, 2lb bag3/15/20270787421338988005539-1Walmart

Here is specific information on the other frozen shrimp products included in the recall:

Item Number Item Description UPC Lot Number 
08890FROZEN RAW SHRIMP 31/40 SAND BAR 2LB BAG011110641182087305
06350FROZEN COOKED SHRIMP 31/40 BEST YET 1LB BAG042187002736095944
06350FROZEN COOKED SHRIMP 31/40 BEST YET 1 LB BAG042187002736111154
06062FROZEN COOKED SHRIMP 41/50 BESY YET 1LB BAG042187002743095946
08224FROZEN LARGE COOKED SHRIMP 31/40 ARTIC SHORES 1LB BAG041130812392109562
08127FROZEN SMALL COOKED SHRIMP 61/70 ARTIC SHORES 1LB BAG041130810497109540
08128FROZEN SMALL COOKED SHRIMP 91/120 WHITE ARCTIC SHORES 12OZ BAG041130810411109541
08129FROZEN COOKED SALAD SHRIMP 150-200 ARCTIC SHORES 6OZ BAG041130811685109542
06021FROZEN RAW SHRIMP 16/20 GREAT AMERICAN 2LB BAG829944010612125143
06171FROZEN RAW SHRIMP 16/20 FIRST STREET 2LB BAG041512179471130632
06102FROZEN RAW SHRIMP 71/90 GREAT AMERICAN 2LB BAG829944010698128267
08523FROZEN COOKED SHRIMP MEAT GREAT AMERICAN 1LB BAG829944092540134010
06812FROZEN COOKED SHRIMP 41/60 GREAT AMERICAN 2LB BAG829944012173128275

Here are photos of the recalled shrimp products:

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