Better check your freezer—because some bags of shrimp sold at Ohio Walmart stores are now under recall after the FDA raised red flags about possible radiation contamination.
The shrimp in question? Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp (2 lb bags) with the following lot codes and best-by dates:
Lot 8005540-1 – Best by 3/15/2027
Lot 8005538-1 – Best by 3/15/2027
Lot 8005539-1 – Best by 3/15/2027
The shrimp came from an Indonesian company, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, that’s now on the FDA’s “do not import” list after a shipment was found to contain traces of Cesium-137—a man-made radioactive substance linked to long-term cancer risks.
⚠️ The FDA says none of the bad shrimp has been proven to make it onto store shelves yet, but Walmart stores in Ohio did receive shipments from the company. Out of caution, the recall is on.
Health Risks of Consuming Radioactive Shrimp
While immediate danger from a single meal of the potentially contaminated shrimp appears low, understanding what could happen—especially for adults and seniors—is important.
Immediate Symptoms
If someone did ingest shrimp tainted with radioactive particles, they might experience symptoms similar to radiation sickness. Common early signs include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache and fatigue
- Diarrhea or digestive discomfort
Older individuals may feel these effects more keenly, often accompanied by lightheadedness, weakness, or confusion. Their slower metabolism and more fragile health make them particularly vulnerable.
Delayed Effects
As time goes on, more serious repercussions can emerge. These may include:
- Skin irritations or a mild burning sensation
- Weakening of the immune system, increasing vulnerability to infection
- Hair thinning or loss
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
The elderly could face heightened risks from these issues due to decreased immune resilience and slower healing.
Long-Term Concerns
Even low-level exposure, if repeated, raises the risk of DNA damage and long-term health problems. The primary concern is a gradual increase in cancer risk. Because radioactive particles like cesium can linger in the body, ongoing exposure—especially among sensitive populations—compounds the danger.
Seniors, in particular, may face more severe outcomes over time, making vigilance and timely medical attention crucial if any symptoms arise.
If someone shows signs of illness after consuming the recalled shrimp—or if there’s concern about potential exposure—it’s best to seek medical advice promptly.
What You Should Do:
If you bought this shrimp, toss it. Don’t cook it, don’t serve it, don’t risk it.
Refunds? Take your receipt (or the bag itself) back to Walmart.
Health worries? Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about radiation exposure.
The FDA insists the risk is low, but nobody wants “nuclear shrimp” on their dinner plate.
