The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent advisory against consuming, selling, or serving certain Great Value brand raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart, due to possible contamination with Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope. The shrimp were imported from BMS Foods, formally known as PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati in Indonesia.
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Cesium-137 was initially detected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in shipping containers at four U.S. ports. Subsequent testing of shrimp samples revealed Cs-137 in one sample of breaded shrimp. Fortunately, no contaminated products have been confirmed to have entered the U.S. food supply.
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As a preventive measure, the FDA recommends disposing of these specific products:
- Lot code 8005540‑1
- Lot code 8005538‑1
- Lot code 8005539‑1
All with a “Best by” date of 3/15/2027.
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The FDA has also placed BMS Foods on an import alert for chemical contamination, ensuring no further shipments are allowed until the identified issues are resolved. The agency highlighted that the product appears to have been handled under potentially unsanitary conditions, increasing the risk of contamination.
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While the detected level of Cs-137 was 68 Bq/kg (below the FDA’s Derived Intervention Level of 1200 Bq/kg), even low-level exposure could pose long-term health risks. The main concern centers on repeated consumption possibly increasing cancer risk due to DNA damage.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Key Points
- Urgent health advisory: Avoid specific Great Value shrimp products due to Cs-137 contamination concerns.
- Source: Imported from Indonesia (BMS Foods), through Walmart.
- Health risk: Cs-137 exposure may increase long-term cancer risk.
- No evidence of contaminated products entering U.S. commerce, but precaution is advised.
- Import alert issued to ban further products until safety is assured.
Future Projections
1. Expanded Testing & Oversight
Authorities may increase screening for other food imports, especially seafood, to prevent future radioactive or chemical contamination.
2. Supply Chain Accountability
Retailers like Walmart might reassess supplier practices or demand enhanced safety certifications, potentially leading to stricter inspection standards.
3. Consumer Behavior & Trust
This alert may erode confidence in imported seafood. Consumers may switch to brands with transparent sourcing and rigorous testing.
4. Regulatory Reforms
This incident could prompt calls for mandatory radioactive screening in high-risk food imports or clearer labeling rules regarding origin and safety.
5. Industry Communication
Greater cooperation between FDA, CBP, suppliers, and retailers will be needed to ensure quick, transparent responses in future contamination investigations.
Neutral Reflection
While no contaminated shrimp appear to have reached consumers, the FDA’s warning underscores the importance of supply chain vigilance. The action taken—advisory issuance, import alert, and disposal recommendation—reflects the agency’s commitment to food safety. Going forward, maintaining public trust will require transparent communication and strengthened monitoring mechanisms.
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