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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating possible contamination by the radioactive isotope cesium-137, so it is warning people not to eat certain raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart stores.
US Customs and Border Patrol have warned the FDA of the detection of cesium-137 with one shipment of imported frozen shrimp from Indonesia-based company Pt. Bahari Makmur Sejati is doing business under the name BMS Foods.
Authorities then detected radioactive isotopes at four ports across the country. Los Angeles, Houston, Miami. Savannah, Georgia.
The amount of cesium-137 detected in contaminated shipments would not pose an acute risk to the consumer. However, long-term consumption will result in an increased risk of cancer.
Frozen food bags are sold under the brand name. Available at Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia.
According to an FDA announcement on Tuesday, all containers and products that tested positive or have been warned for cesium-137 have been denied entry into the country. Federal officials are coordinating with Indonesian seafood regulators to investigate the underlying causes of the pollution.
Officials said there were no reports of contaminated shrimp within the freezer section or within the US food supply chain.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, cesium 137 is found in soil, food and air. It is produced by nuclear fission for use in medical gauges and devices, but could also be a by-product of nuclear reactors and weapons testing, the agency said.
The frozen shrimp bag has not tested positive for cesium-137, but authorities say the product may have been prepared, packed or held in unsanitary conditions.
Walmart received shipments of frozen food imported since the date of initial detection, but these specific cargoes were not wary of contamination, officials said.
Shoppers who purchase the following products should instead throw away frozen shrimp instead of eating or serving them, authorities say.
Great Value Brand Frozen Raw Shrimp, Lot Code: 8005540-1, Best: 3/15/2027 Great Balue Brand Frozen Raw Shrimp, Lot Code: 8005538-1, Best By Vids By Tide: 3/15/2027 Great Baluzen Brand Raw Raw Shrimp, Lot Code: 8005539-1, Best: 3/15/2027
The FDA now recommends that Walmart remember the item completely. BMS Foods is no longer allowed to import products into the US until the company addresses potential issues.
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