More frozen shrimp recalled for possible radioactive contamination

ByJONEL ALECCI AP logo

Thursday, August 21, 2025 11:38PM

FDA warns public not to eat possibly radioactive shrimp sold at Walmart

The FDA is warning the public about Great Value raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart due to possible contamination with Cesium-137.

More packages of frozen shrimp potentially affected by radioactive contamination have been recalled, federal officials said Thursday.

California-based Southwind Foods recalled frozen shrimp sold under the brands Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American and First Street. The bagged products were distributed between July 17 and Aug. 8 to stores and wholesalers in nine states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington state.

In this undated photo provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Association, a package of frozen shrimp potentially affected by radioactive contamination is seen.
U.S. Food and Drug Association via AP

The products have the potential to be contaminated with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope that is a byproduct of nuclear reactions.

Walmart stores this week recalled packages of Great Value frozen raw shrimp sold in 13 states because of potential radioactive contamination.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety alert after federal officials detected Cesium-137 in shipping containers sent to four U.S. ports and in a sample of frozen breaded shrimp imported by BMS Foods of Indonesia.

The FDA advises consumers not to eat the recalled products. Traces of Cesium-137 are widespread in the environment including food, soil and air. The primary health risk is through long-term, repeated low-dose exposure, which can increase the risk of cancer.

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