The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an urgent warning, asking people not to eat, sell or serve some imported frozen shrimp batches because they suspect radioactive contamination.
According to the announcement, FDA discovered radioactive synonyme of cesium-137 in a shipment of frozen raw shrimp made by Indonesia PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods) is exported to the US, distributed under Walmart's Great Value brand in 13 states, including Texas, Florida and Pennsylvania.
Although no infection products have officially been on the supermarket shelves, the authorities recommend that consumers be absolutely cautious.
If you have purchased Great Value shrimp from the affected lot at Walmart, throw it away immediately. "Do not eat, do not process, do not serve this product" - FDA emphasized in the announcement issued on August 19.
The US customs agency was the first to detect the problem when measuring radiation signals in containers arriving at Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah and Miami. The FDA then took samples for testing and confirmed that there was at least one creamy shrimp product containing cesium-137. Although the content is below the FDA's allowable level, all suspected shipments have been refused import.
Walmart immediately removed all related frozen shrimp from the supermarket system, and recommended that customers who have purchased the product should destroy or contact them for a refund.
Cesium-137 is a radioactive synonyma produced by the nuclear phase reaction, which can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer if it enters the body through food.
Currently, the FDA continues to coordinate with authorities to trace all import shipments, while closely monitoring the food distribution chain to prevent the risk of spreading.
