FDA Issues Urgent Warning Over Walmart Shrimp Sold in Texas and Louisiana

(KNGT-FM) - Shrimp lovers in Louisiana and Texas should be aware: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a major warning about a certain frozen shrimp, but don't worry, we've got what you need to know...

Since we're so close to the Gulf, many Louisiana and Texas residents would prefer to purchase their shrimp from a local fisherman. Not only does this support local communities, but it also gives people confidence in knowing where their seafood comes from.

If you've bought frozen shrimp at Walmart or Sam's Club recently, you need to check the bag as soon as possible.

Shrimp processed by a company in Indonesia called PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (also known as BMS Foods) might be contaminated with a radioactive substance called Cesium-137. According to reports, this was discovered when U.S. Customs & Border Protection found Cs-137 in shipping containers at four ports: Houston, Los Angeles, Savannah, and Miami. One sample of breaded shrimp tested positive for Cs-137.

Which Shrimp Are Affected?

The FDA is asking people to avoid eating or serving frozen shrimp sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand. Here's what to watch for:

• Type: Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp
• Size: 2-pound bags
• Best-by date: March 15, 2027
• Lot codes: 8005540-1, 8005538-1, 8005539-1

Why Should Residents Care?

Honestly, it's better to be safe than sorry... Even though the levels of Cs-137 found were below emergency danger levels, scientists say that eating small amounts of contaminated food over time could increase the risk of cancer.