FDA Public Health Alert: Great Value Frozen Shrimp Linked to Cesium-137 Contamination Concerns

Great Value alert: quick summary

The FDA has issued a public health alert for certain lots of Great Value frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart after testing revealed potential contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in shipments from Indonesia. The affected lots include 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, all carrying a Best by Date of March 15, 2027, and were distributed to 13 states, including Florida, Texas, and Ohio. Consumers are urged not to eat or serve this shrimp and to discard it immediately.

What happened?

The FDA, alerted by U.S. Customs & Border Protection, detected Cesium-137 in shipments of frozen shrimp imported from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati. Although the detected levels were below the federal intervention threshold, the shrimp was determined to have been handled under insanitary conditions and may pose a long-term safety risk.

Since affected products were shipped to Walmart stores across 13 states, FDA has issued a public health alert advising consumers not to eat or serve these shrimp.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	Lot Code	Best By Date	Issue	States Affected
Great Value	Frozen raw shrimp	Various	8005540-1	3/15/2027	Cesium-137 contamination risk	AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, MS, OH, OK, PA, TX, WV
Great Value	Frozen raw shrimp	Various	8005538-1	3/15/2027	Cesium-137 contamination risk	AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, MS, OH, OK, PA, TX, WV
Great Value	Frozen raw shrimp	Various	8005539-1	3/15/2027	Cesium-137 contamination risk	AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, MS, OH, OK, PA, TX, WV

What caused the issue?

The concern is Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope linked to DNA damage and increased cancer risk when consumed over long periods.

• Health risks: Elevated cancer risk with repeated exposure.
• Most vulnerable groups: Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
• Symptoms: None immediately after eating, but long-term exposure increases health risks.
• Confirmed victims: None reported at this time.

Questions you might have

1. Is this a recall?
   No, it’s a public health alert.
2. Why an alert?
   Products may still be in consumers’ freezers, but they are no longer safe to eat.
3. What’s the danger?
   Cesium-137 contamination, a radioactive chemical.
4. Where was it sold?
   Walmart stores in 13 states.
5. How do I know if I have it?
   Check your shrimp bag for lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, 8005539-1.
6. Can I cook it to make it safe to eat?
   No. Heat doesn’t remove radiation.
7. Did anyone get sick?
   No cases reported so far.
8. What should I do with it?
   Don’t eat it. Throw it away.
9. What if I already ate some?
   Don’t panic. Single exposure is low-risk. Consult your doctor if concerned.
10. Where can I get more info?
    Visit the FDA notice or contact Walmart customer service.

Here’s what you should do

• Check your freezer for affected shrimp products.
• Look for lot codes: 8005540-1, 8005538-1, 8005539-1.
• Best by date: 3/15/2027.
• Action: Discard immediately or return to Walmart for a refund.

Behind the brand

PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) is an Indonesian seafood supplier recently added to the FDA’s import alert list for chemical contamination. This means their products cannot enter U.S. commerce until they resolve the contamination issue.

Other recent alerts

• Schnucks Tortellini USDA public health alert: undeclared allergens found in misbranded pasta
• FSIS issued a public health alert for prep chef products over undeclared allergens
• Trader Joe’s public health alert: Frozen pepperoni pizza flunks import reinspection
• Riverbend Ranch beef sticks flagged in public health alert over plastic risk
• FSIS issues public health alert for Wegmans frozen chicken nuggets
• FSIS issues health alert for Better Goods chicken empanadas

“Clear food safety practices protect not only consumers but also the entire supply chain. Every alert is a reminder of why diligence matters.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

This FDA public health alert highlights how even widely sold products like frozen shrimp can face unexpected risks. By maintaining strict production controls and transparent supply chains, companies can prevent future alerts.

Reminder for consumers: Check your freezer, dispose of affected shrimp, and follow FDA guidance.

For businesses: Source86 offers bulk ingredients, private label solutions, and food safety support to keep your supply chain strong and recall-free. Contact us!