The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday ordered a recall of frozen shrimp sold under Walmart’s “Great Value” brand in stores across 13 states, including Ohio.
The FDA issued a notice on Aug. 19. It stated federal officials detected Cesium-137, a chemical element, in shipping containers at four U.S. ports: Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah and Miami.
According to the FDA, Walmart received raw frozen shrimp imported after Cs-137 was first detected, though those shipments did not test positive. The agency recommended a recall as a precautionary measure.
The presence of the chemical element violates the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the FDA said.
“…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,” reads the agency’s warning.
Which products?
The products affected by the recall are two-pound bags of Great Value “Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp.” The lot codes and best by dates include:
- Lot code: 8005540-1; best by date: 3/15/2027
- Lot code: 8005538-1; best by date: 3/15/2027
- Lot code: 8005539-1; best by date: 3/15/2027
The FDA urged consumers to throw away the product if they bought it recently.
“Do not eat or serve this product,” the FDA said.
What is Cs-137?
Cs-137 is a radioisotope of cesium, a man-made chemical element that emits radiation as it breaks down. It’s produced by nuclear fission, according to the FDA. In the U.S., it’s used in medical devices and measurement gauges.
The FDA said being exposed to Cs-137 over time can increase the risk of cancer.
Consumers who shop at Walmarts in Ohio, and the following states, should be on the lookout for the Great Value raw frozen shrimp:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- West Virginia
There are two Walmart Supercenters in Richland County, one in Ashland County and one in Knox County.