Washington: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers against eating certain frozen shrimp products sold at Walmart after tests showed traces of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.
According to officials, three lots of Great Value brand frozen shrimp were removed from shelves after the isotope was detected in shipping containers and in a sample of breaded shrimp imported from Indonesia. “If you recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart under this category, dispose of it immediately,” the FDA advised in a public statement.
The Associated Press reported that Walmart has recalled the affected frozen shrimp in 13 US states.
What is Cesium-137?
Cesium-137, commonly referred to as Cs-137, is a radioactive byproduct of nuclear activities such as weapons testing, reactor operations and nuclear accidents. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes it is the most widespread cesium isotope found in the environment. Apart from being a waste product of reactors, it is also used in medical devices, gauges and radiation therapy for cancer patients.
Exposure to low levels of Cs-137 over long periods can raise health concerns. Trace amounts of this isotope already exist in air, soil and food across the globe, but the FDA stressed that avoiding possibly contaminated products is a preventive measure to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.
Levels Detected Remain Below Threshold
Officials clarified that the levels found in the shrimp were far lower than the FDA intervention limits. However, as a matter of caution, the contaminated lots were recalled to prevent even minimal exposure. Consumers in the affected states have been urged to check their freezers and avoid consuming the recalled items.