FDA warns public not to eat possibly radioactive shrimp sold at Walmart

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to the public not to consume certain types of shrimp that were sold at Walmart stores due to the potential presence of radioactive material. The affected products were imported from China and have been found to contain levels of bismuth-208, a radioactive isotope, that exceed the federal limits for food. The FDA has advised consumers to check their freezers and avoid eating the shrimp, which may have been contaminated during processing.

The affected shrimp products were sold under the brand names "Great Value" and "Waterfront Bistro." The specific items include cooked, frozen, and breaded shrimp, as well as some that are packaged with cocktail sauce. The contamination is believed to have occurred during the manufacturing process, where a food additive containing bismuth-208 was used.

While the FDA emphasizes that the risk to public health is low, consuming food with high levels of radioactive material can increase the risk of cancer over time. The agency has instructed Walmart to remove the products from store shelves and is conducting further investigation into the matter.

If you have purchased any of the listed products, you are advised to throw them away or return them to the store for a full refund. Additionally, it is recommended to check the packaging for specific lot numbers to ensure that the shrimp you have is not part of the recall.

The FDA is working with Walmart and the supplier to determine the source of the contamination and prevent future occurrences. It is essential for consumers to remain vigilant and follow food safety warnings to minimize potential health risks.