In comic books, falling into something radioactive is the best thing that can happen to you. Just ask Spider-Man, the Hulk or the Fantastic Four.
Unfortunately, Walmart’s recently recalled shrimp won’t give you superpowers. The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to check their freezers and throw them out immediately.
The FDA said multiple brands of frozen shrimp may be contaminated with cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. U.S. Customs and Border Protection first detected it in shipping containers at four ports. The agency has launched an investigation into PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, also known as BMS Foods, of Indonesia, the company behind the shipments.
On Aug. 19, the FDA advised consumers not to eat or serve Great Value Raw Frozen Shrimp from Walmart. Two more recalls followed: Southwind Foods on Aug. 21, covering brands such as Best Yet, Arctic Shores, and Great American; and Beaver Street Fisheries on Aug. 22, recalling Great Value Raw Shrimp EZ-Peel & Deveined Tail-On sold in 13 states.
So far, the FDA says no shrimp that tested positive for cesium-137 reached store shelves. But some lots that did not initially test positive were still distributed, raising concern about contamination.
The radioactive levels found were below the FDA’s intervention threshold, meaning the shrimp aren’t immediately dangerous. Still, officials warn that repeated exposure over time could raise cancer risks by damaging DNA.
The FDA said the shrimp violated federal food safety laws because they were prepared or handled under unsanitary conditions. BMS Foods has now been placed under a new import alert that blocks its shrimp from entering the U.S. until the problem is resolved.
If you bought any of the recalled products, throw them out. If you think you may have eaten some, the FDA recommends contacting your doctor.
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