Beaver Street Fisheries Recalls Great Value Frozen Raw Shrimp Over Cesium-137 Contamination Risk

Beaver Street Fisheries recall: quick summary

Beaver Street Fisheries has announced a recall of Great Value Frozen Raw Shrimp sold at Walmart due to possible contamination with Cesium-137. Yes, radioactive shrimp. The recall, issued on August 22, 2025, following an FDA advisory about potential radionuclide exposure, applies to products sold between July 28 and August 7, 2025, in several states, including Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Although no illnesses have been reported, experts warn that long-term exposure to Cs-137 may increase cancer risks. Consumers are urged to check their freezers and either return the shrimp to Walmart for a refund or simply toss it out like it never existed.

What happened?

On August 22, 2025, Beaver Street Fisheries, LLC announced a voluntary recall of its Great Value Frozen Raw Shrimp sold at Walmart stores. The recall was sparked after the FDA guidance on Cesium-137 exposure. The affected shrimp came in 1-lb plastic bags and were sold in 13 states. No illnesses have been reported so far, but the potential risk was enough to trigger a nationwide “shrimp check” in American freezers.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Lot codes	Best By date	Issue	States distributed
Great Value	Frozen Raw Shrimp EZ-Peel & Deveined Tail-On 21–25/lb	1 lb	078742133898	8005540-1, 8005538-1, 8005539-1	3/15/2027	Possible Cesium-137 contamination	AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, MS, OH, OK, PA, TX, WV

What caused the issue?

The shrimp may have been exposed to Cesium-137, a man-made radioactive isotope. While small background levels of Cs-137 exist naturally, prolonged exposure through contaminated food can damage DNA and increase cancer risk.

• Health risks: Long-term cancer risk if eaten over time
• Groups most affected: Pregnant women, children, and anyone who doesn’t want radioactive seafood on their dinner plate
• Symptoms: Not immediate, no glowing in the dark. The concern is long-term exposure
• Victims so far: None reported

Questions you might have

1. Can I feed it to my cat instead?
   Nope. Cats deserve non-radioactive seafood, too.
2. Why is Walmart always in the middle of these recalls?
   Because they sell everything, and sometimes, that includes radioactive surprises.
3. Is Cesium-137 something I should already know about?
   Unless you’re a nuclear physicist, probably not, but now you can casually bring it up at dinner parties.
4. What does Cesium-137 even do?
   It’s radioactive, messes with DNA, and can increase cancer risk over time.
5. Were people actually harmed?
   No illnesses have been reported.
6. Is this all shrimp or just this brand?
   Only Great Value Frozen Raw Shrimp with specific lot codes and UPC.
7. Can I cook it extra and make it safe?
   Nope. Heat doesn’t kill radioactivity. Sorry, chef.
8. How do I get my money back?
   Return it to Walmart or call +1-904-354-8533.
9. How did they catch this?
   Customs & Border Protection detected Cs-137 in shrimp shipments.
10. What if I already ate it?
    Don’t panic. The FDA says no confirmed illnesses; just stop eating it.

Here’s what you should do

• Do not eat the shrimp.
• Check for UPC 078742133898 and Lot Codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, 8005539-1.
• Best By Date: 3/15/2027.
• For more info, contact Beaver Street Fisheries at +1-904-354-8533 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. EST).

Behind the brand

Beaver Street Fisheries, LLC, based in Jacksonville, Florida, supplies seafood across the U.S., including Walmart’s private label Great Value brand. They’ve been in the business for decades and are known for sourcing global seafood.

Other relevant recalls

• Southwind Foods recalls frozen shrimp over Cesium-137 risk
• FDA public health alert: Great Value frozen shrimp linked to Cesium-137 contamination concerns
• Bornstein Seafoods recalls coldwater shrimp meat over Listeria contamination risk
• Ruck’s recalls sausage products over Listeria contamination
• JBR frozen oysters public safety alert: Norovirus contamination

“When companies take food safety seriously, recalls become the exception instead of the rule. Transparency and testing are the best recipes for consumer confidence.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights the importance of rigorous food safety checks in the seafood industry. Radioactive shrimp may sound like a Marvel origin story, but in reality, it’s a reminder of how contamination can sneak into supply chains. Companies must maintain strict testing, sourcing transparency, and communication to protect consumers.

For now: check your freezer, toss or return the shrimp, and spread the word.

At Source86, we’re committed to safe bulk ingredients, private label excellence, and supply chain safety. Let’s keep your products safe, your customers happy, and your shrimp radiation-free. Contact us!