If you’ve got frozen shrimp from Walmart sitting in your freezer, you might want to double-check the label. On Tuesday, US health officials announced a recall of shrimp imported from Indonesia after traces of radioactivity were detected.The shrimp came from a company called PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati and was distributed across 13 states by Walmart, according to the FDA. Tests found the radioactive isotope Cesium-137 in some of the shrimp. Now, before you panic—the FDA says the levels were super minimal and don’t pose an “immediate hazard” if eaten. Still, there’s a catch.The FDA explained that while none of the shrimp currently on Walmart shelves tested positive for radiation, products from the same supplier may have been processed or packed in less-than-ideal conditions. That raises the risk of possible contamination. And here’s the bigger concern: even low-dose exposure to Cesium over time can increase cancer risk.
What is radioactive shrimp ?
Basically, shrimp imported from Indonesia tested positive for Cesium-137, which is a radioactive isotope. Don’t worry—you’re not going to start glowing in the dark if you ate some. The FDA said the levels were super low and not an “immediate hazard.”Here’s the catch though: even small amounts of radiation exposure, if it happens over time, can raise the risk of health issues like cancer. That’s why the FDA flagged the shrimp as possibly being processed or stored in unsafe conditions, which means there was a chance of contamination.The shrimp in question was sold by Walmart across several US states, and the FDA has asked people to toss it if they’ve already bought some. No free returns—just throw it away.So “radioactive shrimp” isn’t about mutant seafood—it’s really about contaminated food safety. And the bottom line? If you spot it on a recall list, don’t eat it. Your dinner’s not worth the risk.So, what should you do? If you bought frozen shrimp from Walmart recently, check the packaging and toss it if it matches the recalled batch. The FDA is urging customers not to eat it and instead play it safe.Source: US FDA
