Another firm recalls imported shrimp sold at Walmart because of radioactive concerns

More shrimp sold at Walmart stores in multiple states is being recalled because of the potential for radioactive contamination.

Beaver Street Fisheries LLC of Jacksonville, FL, is voluntarily recalling Great Value brand Frozen Raw Shrimp EZ-Peel & Deveined Tail-On, 21 to 25 pieces per pound, as a precautionary measure per the recommended action stated in an FDA advisory statement regarding Cesium-137 (Cs-137). 

Cs-137 is a man-made radioisotope of cesium. Traces of Cs-137 are widespread and can be present in the environment at background levels, and at higher levels in water or foods grown, raised, or produced in areas with environmental contamination. The primary health effect of concern following longer term, repeated low dose exposure, such as through consumption of contaminated food or water over time, is an elevated risk of cancer, resulting from damage to DNA within living cells of the body.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) alerted FDA to the detection of Cs-137 in shipping containers at four U.S. ports — Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah and Miami. The FDA collected multiple samples for radionuclide analysis, with results confirming the presence of Cs-137 in one sample of breaded shrimp. 

All containers and product testing positive or alerting for Cs-137 have been denied entry into the country. The FDA continues to coordinate with CBP to prevent any contaminated products from reaching consumers and is working with Indonesian seafood regulatory authorities to investigate the root cause of the contamination. 

The imported product subject to the latest recall was distributed in the states of AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, MS, OH, OK, PA, TX and WV, and was available for consumer purchase in select Walmart retail stores in those states from July 28 through Aug. 8.

Previously Southwind Foods LLC of Carson, CA, recalled a variety of shrimp brands because of the situation with the radioactive containers.

No illnesses have been reported to date, but it can take time for problems to manifest.

As noted in the FDA statement issued on Aug. 19: “At this time, no product that has tested positive or alerted for Cesium-137 (Cs-137) has entered the U.S. commerce. FDA is working with distributors and retailers that received product from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati after the date of first detection of Cs-137 by Customs & Border Protection (CBP), but from shipments that did not alert for Cs-137, to recommend that firms conduct a recall. In conjunction with other information, FDA determined that product from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati violates the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act in that it appears to have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with Cs-137 and may pose a safety concern.”

Products affected in the new recall are:

• Great Value Frozen Raw Shrimp EZ-Peel & Deveined Tail-On 21-25 Per lb
• Packaging: Plastic bag
• Item UPC / Lot Codes / Best By Dates:
  • UPC 078742133898, Lot Code 8005540-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027.
  • UPC 078742133898, Lot Code 8005538-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027.
  • UPC 078742133898, Lot Code 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled frozen shrimp should not consume the product and should dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For additional questions consumers can call 904-354-8533.

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