Bay Area shoppers, beware: Walmart has issued a critical recall for frozen shrimp that potentially contains radioactive contamination.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered trace amounts of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers and product samples imported from Indonesia. While food safety experts emphasize the risk is low, the agency recommends immediate action for consumers who purchased specific Great Value frozen shrimp products.

Cesium-137 is a byproduct of nuclear reactions, including bomb testing and reactor operations, and is widely found in trace amounts throughout the environment. Despite the alarming-sounding contamination, researchers like Donald Schaffner from Rutgers University stress that the radiation levels detected are far below intervention thresholds.

Walmart has recalled three specific lot codes of frozen raw shrimp with best-by dates of March 15, 2027. These products were distributed across 13 states, including Texas, Florida, and Georgia. The affected lot codes are 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1.

Consumers who have purchased these products are advised to immediately discard the shrimp or return them to any Walmart store for a full refund. The FDA continues investigating the source of contamination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, focusing on the Indonesian manufacturer P.T. Bahari Makmur Sejati.

While the potential health risks appear minimal, the recall underscores the importance of vigilant food safety monitoring and transparent communication between regulatory agencies, importers, and consumers.

Stay informed and always check product recalls to ensure your family’s safety.