Bentonville, Arkansas — Walmart has initiated a recall of specific shrimp products following the discovery of radioactive material in shipments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has alerted consumers regarding frozen shrimp sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand, which may have been exposed to a hazardous isotope during transportation.

A sample of breaded shrimp tested positive for Caesium-137. Fortunately, the FDA confirmed that this particular sample never reached the market. However, the agency has urged consumers in 13 states to dispose of any recently purchased products linked to three affected batches.

“The health and safety of our customers is always our top priority,” a spokesperson for Walmart stated. “We have implemented a sales restriction and removed the affected products from our stores. We are collaborating with the supplier to conduct a thorough investigation.”

Consumers who purchased the recalled shrimp can obtain a full refund at any Walmart location. The affected products were distributed across states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.

The shrimp came from a supplier based in Indonesia, which has faced scrutiny after multiple shipping containers were denied entry to the United States. The FDA indicated that one shipment contained Caesium-137, a radioactive isotope formed through nuclear reactions and found in trace amounts in the environment.

Despite the FDA noting that the levels found in the tested shipment were not immediately harmful, officials emphasized that prolonged exposure could increase the risk of cancer due to cell damage. Caesium-137 is notably associated with major nuclear events, such as the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine and the Fukushima incident in Japan.

While testing has not revealed Caesium-137 in other shrimp products, the FDA has cautioned that this does not eliminate the possibility of contamination. As the investigation continues, health officials recommend that consumers stay informed about the situation.

Walmart’s swift move to recall these products reflects its commitment to consumer safety, as it seeks to navigate through this potential health concern.