Radioactive contamination prompts shrimp recall at Walmart—what parents need to know

For so many parents, frozen shrimp is a weeknight lifesaver—quick to cook, affordable, and something kids will actually eat without a fight. But this week, Walmart pulled certain shrimp from its shelves in 13 states after the FDA raised concerns about potential radioactive contamination.

The only shrimp that tested positive for radioactive contamination never made it onto store shelves, but the FDA and Walmart are moving quickly to recall select products as a preventive step.

What’s being recalled

The recall affects Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp (2 lb. bags) with the following lot codes and best-by dates:

• Lot code: 8005540-1, Best by: 3/15/2027
  
• Lot code: 8005538-1, Best by: 3/15/2027
  
• Lot code: 8005539-1, Best by: 3/15/2027

These products were sold at Walmart stores in: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.

What the FDA says about risk

The FDA reported  that cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope, was detected in a single shipment of frozen breaded shrimp that never entered U.S. commerce. The levels found—about 68 Bq/kg—were well below the FDA’s intervention level of 1,200 Bq/kg. At that level, the agency says, the product “would not pose an acute hazard to consumers.”

So what does that mean for parents? In plain terms, there’s no immediate danger from this recall. That means parents don’t need to panic, but it’s still important to check your freezer and take the recall seriously. The concern comes from the possibility of repeated, long-term exposure to low levels of radiation, which could raise the risk of cancer over time. That’s why the FDA is urging families to avoid any potentially impacted products until the investigation is complete.

For families who want to learn more, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has additional resources on cesium-137 and its health effects.

What is Cs-137?

Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a radioactive isotope created during nuclear reactions. It’s not naturally found in food but can appear in the environment due to human activity. While very small amounts exist in soil and air worldwide, finding Cs-137 in shrimp is unusual and concerning enough to trigger FDA action.

What parents should do right now

• Check your freezer If you see one of the recalled lots, don’t cook or serve it.
  
• Toss it or return it to Walmart for a refund.
  
• Reach out to your doctor if you’re worried about possible exposure.

Why this hits home for families

Food recalls always feel unsettling, but especially when they involve the staples we lean on to keep our households running smoothly. This recall is a reminder that being proactive—checking those lot codes, tossing anything that’s questionable—goes a long way in protecting your family.

Walmart says the health and safety of customers is its “top priority,” and all impacted products have already been removed from store shelves.

The takeaway for parents: A quick freezer check tonight could give you peace of mind—and that’s one less thing to worry about.

source https://www.mother.ly/news/walmart-shrimp-recall-2025/