Federal Health Authority Issues Advisory Regarding Radioactive Seafood, Sparking Humorous Responses
August 19, 2025
In an unusual turn of events, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about certain Great Value brand raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart due to potential radioactive contamination. The contamination is caused by the shrimp being prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions where it may have become contaminated with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.
The warning was issued after U.S. Customs and Border Protection detected Cesium-137 in shipping containers containing shrimp imported from Indonesia's PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods). Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of Cesium-137 in one sample of breaded shrimp.
Although no shrimp testing positive for Cesium-137 has entered the U.S. food supply, the FDA recommended a recall of all potentially affected products to protect public health. Walmart has complied with the recall and advised consumers who purchased the shrimp not to eat it and to dispose of it or seek a refund. The recalled products include specific lot codes of Great Value frozen raw shrimp with best-by dates around March 2027.
The FDA is actively investigating the source of contamination and working to prevent any radioactive shrimp from reaching consumers. The agency has provided details on how to check if your shrimp is safe to consume on their official website.
Meanwhile, the Twitter account x.com is making light of the situation with jokes about superhero origins, government fears, and defying FDA warnings. One tweet shows a person eating a lot of shrimp in the hopes of gaining superpowers, while another asks why not eat the radioactive shrimp. One joke refers to the situation as a "nice try liberal," and another advises not to be told what to do.
The contamination of shrimp with Cesium-137 may pose a risk to public health due to long-term exposure through contaminated food, which may increase cancer risks due to DNA damage. The FDA urges consumers to follow the recall and avoid consuming any affected products.
Sources:
[1] FDA Press Release: FDA advises not to eat, sell, or serve certain Great Value raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart due to potential radioactive contamination. [2] Walmart Recall Notice: Recall of Great Value frozen raw shrimp due to potential radioactive contamination. [3] FDA Fact Sheet: Cesium-137 and food safety. [4] FDA Investigation: Ongoing investigation into the source of Cesium-137 contamination in shrimp. [5] BuzzFeed News Article: FDA Warns Against Radioactive Shrimp: What You Need to Know.
Written by Larry Fitzmaurice, Staff Member at BuzzFeed News. Published by BuzzFeed News.
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