Walmart's Frozen Shrimp Is At Risk Of Radioactive Contamination — Here's What To Know

Remember Blinky, the three-eyed fish from "The Simpsons"? Well, some of the radioactive fish's crustacean kin might've found their way into Walmart's frozen food aisle. On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of Great Value frozen shrimp due to possible radioactive contamination. The recall affects 2-pound bags of Walmart's Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp with lot codes 8005538-1, 8005539-1, and 8005540-1.

According to the recall announcement, U.S. Customs & Border Protection agents found traces of the radioactive isotope Cesium-137 (Cs-137) in a shipment of frozen shrimp. The contaminated shrimp were produced by Indonesian supplier PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati. It's not the first time that radioactive groceries have caused a stir. In 2021, a shipment of vodka made from apples grown near Chernobyl was seized by Ukrainian authorities.

Cs-137 is highly radioactive. The man-made isotope is often used in medical devices, industrial equipment, and cancer treatment, but it's also a byproduct of nuclear fission. In high levels, it causes burns, radiation sickness, and death, though most people are exposed to small amounts of Cs-137 in the environment thanks to nuclear fallout from Cold War-era weapons testing.

According to the FDA, the shrimp "appears to have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with Cs-137." The FDA will continue to block imports from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati "until the firm has resolved the conditions that gave rise to the appearance of the violation."

According to the FDA, customers who purchased the recalled shrimp should throw it away. The agency stated that customers should not eat or serve the shrimp. Walmart didn't specifically state whether refunds would be available, but customers can contact their local store for options. If you accidentally ate the recalled food, don't panic. The FDA hasn't found Cs-137 in any of the shipments that made their way into U.S. stores, and the level of radiation in the shipment that did test positive isn't enough to cause serious health problems. Still, the FDA recommended a precautionary recall.

The organization explained that the recall "is a measure intended to reduce exposure to low-level radiation that could have health impacts with continued exposure over a long period of time." Combined with radiation from the environment or medical procedures, extended exposure could increase customers' chances of developing cancer. The FDA recommended contacting a healthcare provider if you're concerned. The organization noted that this is an ongoing investigation, and information will be posted as it becomes available.