The Radioactive Shrimp Scandal: Walmart in Hot Water?

You ever open your freezer and wonder if your food is… glowing? Well, that’s basically the energy behind the latest shrimp scandal shaking up the internet. Yep, we’re talking about radioactive shrimp—and not in a cute “mutant superhero” kind of way.

What Happened?

The FDA just issued a warning that Walmart’s Great Value frozen shrimp—you know, the cheap blue bag everybody’s grandma keeps in the freezer—may have been tainted with cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. The shrimp came from an Indonesian supplier, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, and when U.S. Customs checked the shipments, they picked up radiation levels.

Walmart scrambled to recall three specific lots with a “best by” date of March 15, 2027. The shrimp was sold in 13 states, including Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania. If you bought frozen shrimp from Walmart recently, you might wanna double check your freezer stash.

Is This Dangerous?

Here’s the thing—before you panic and start Googling “radiation poisoning,” let’s break it down:

• The shrimp had around 68 Bq/kg of radiation.

• The FDA only gets really worried at 1,200 Bq/kg.

So, technically, the levels were way below what would make you instantly sick. BUT—long-term, repeated exposure to radioactive stuff can increase cancer risks. And let’s keep it real—ain’t nobody signing up to eat glowing shrimp on purpose.

The Fallout

• Walmart pulled the products off shelves and is offering refunds.

• The FDA blocked further imports from the Indonesian supplier.

• Consumers are told to throw it out immediately or return it.

And to make it messier? The FDA also flagged that the shrimp might have been prepped in unsanitary conditions. So, radioactive and dirty? Chile… we can’t win. 😩

The Bigger Picture

This scandal says a lot about the global food chain. Our seafood comes from all over the world, and even when it’s caught, packaged, and shipped, one bad batch can spark chaos across the U.S.

It also raises a question: how many other things are slipping through the cracks? Because if Walmart—one of the biggest companies in the world—can get caught up in radioactive shrimp… who’s really safe?

What You Should Do?

1. Check your shrimp bags – look for the Great Value raw shrimp with best-by 3/15/27.

2. Toss it or return it – don’t play Russian roulette with seafood.

3. Spread the word – because a lot of people keep shrimp in the freezer for months.

   
   

The shrimp recall isn’t about panic—it’s about awareness. This is a reminder that our food system isn’t perfect, and we have to stay woke about what’s landing on our plates. Because nobody wants to be out here seasoning their dinner with lemon, garlic, and… radiation. 🙅🏾‍♀️