More frozen shrimp recalled over possible radioactive contamination

Due to potential contamination with the radioactive substance cesium-137, more frozen shrimp have been recalled.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, 1- and 2-pound bags of frozen shrimp from Carson, California-based Southwind Foods LLC are the subject of the most recent recall. From July 17 to August 8, the items were shipped to stores in Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cesium-137, also known as Cs-137, is a synthetic substance created by nuclear processes that is utilized in gauges and medical devices. Excessive exposure can result in acute radiation illness, burns, and even death.

The FDA alerted consumers who recently bought shrimp from Walmart earlier this week that the food might also have been tainted.

“The product 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,” the FDA said in a statement, despite the fact that testing has not yet proven the existence of contamination in any product in commerce.

Among the Walmart items being recalled are:

• Great Value frozen raw shrimp, lot code 8005540-1, best by March 15, 2027
• Great Value frozen raw shrimp, lot code 8005538-1, best by March 15, 2027
• Great Value frozen raw shrimp, lot code 8005539-1, best by March 15, 2027

The FDA stated that it is investigating the source of the contamination in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.