Walmart is recalling frozen shrimp after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns of possible radioactive contamination.
Indonesian Firm PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, which imported the frozen shrimp, is in violation of the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act and the FDA's investigation remains ongoing.
Certain shrimp products processed by the firm were sold at Walmart stores in 13 states, according to the FDA.
Were the recalled shrimp sold at Walmart in Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas was one of the states where the shrimp were distributed.
Potentially contaminated shrimp projects were distributed in 13 states, according to Walmart, including:
Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Louisiana
Missouri
Mississippi
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Texas
West Virginia
If consumers recently purchased one of the impacted lots of Great Value raw frozen shrimp from Walmart, the FDA advises that products be thrown away.
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Walmart recalling frozen shrimp over possible radioactive contamination. What to know in Arkansas
The FDA has determined that products from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati violate the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act by appearing to have been prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions wherein Cs-137 contamination may have occurred and may pose a safety concern, according to the FDA.
Currently, the FDA is working with distributors and retailers that received product from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati after the date of first detection of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) by Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to recommend that firms conduct a recall, says the FDA.
Potentially contaminated products sold at Walmart include:
Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005540-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005538-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027
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At this time, no product that has tested positive or alerted for Cesium-137 (Cs-137) has entered the U.S. commerce. However, the FDA did detect Cs-137 in a single shipment of imported frozen shrimp that did not enter U.S. commerce.
The level of Cs-137 detected in the detained shipment was below the FDA’s Derived Intervention Level for Cs-137. At this level, the product would not pose a hazard to consumers, yet avoiding products with levels of Cs-137 is a measure aimed at reducing exposure to low-level radiation that could have health impacts via continued exposure over a long period of time, says the FDA.
What is Cesium-137 (Cs-137)? Health concerns here
Cs-137 is a radioactive isotope of cesium, meaning it is a chemical element that emits radiation as it breaks down, that's produced during nuclear fission.
Cs-137 is often used within medical radiotherapy and industrial gauges, with nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons testing producing the isotope as a byproduct, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The isotope emits both beta particles and gamma radiation, which can be harmful to humans and the environment. Beta particles can cause skin burns and gamma radiation can damage cells, potentially causing cancer.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Radioactive frozen shrimp. Were any sold at Arkansas Walmart locations?
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