Radioactive shrimp recall expands—check your freezer if you shop at Walmart, Kroger, or other major chains
Credit: Walmart / Motherly
The only shrimp that tested positive for radioactive contamination never made it onto store shelves, but the FDA and Walmart are moving quickly to recall select products as a preventive step.
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For many parents, frozen shrimp is a weeknight lifesaver—quick to cook, affordable, and something kids will actually eat without a fight. However, recent concerns have led to a nationwide recall of certain frozen shrimp products due to potential radioactive contamination. Initially, Walmart recalled specific shrimp items in 13 states. Since then, the FDA has expanded the recall to include products from Kroger, AquaStar, and other brands, affecting a total of 36 states across the U.S.
The only shrimp that tested positive for radioactive contamination never made it onto store shelves, but the FDA and Walmart are moving quickly to recall select products as a preventive step.
What’s being recalled
The recall affects Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp (2 lb. bags) with the following lot codes and best-by dates:
- Lot code: 8005540-1, Best by: 3/15/2027
- Lot code: 8005538-1, Best by: 3/15/2027
- Lot code: 8005539-1, Best by: 3/15/2027
These products were sold at Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
Since that initial step, the FDA has broadened the recall. Now, it also includes:
- Nearly 50,000 bags of Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp
- About 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp (2 lb. bags)
- More than 17,000 bags of AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-On Shrimp Skewers (1.25 lb. bags)
In total, these recalls stretch far beyond Walmart, now impacting 36 states—from California and Washington to Michigan, New York, and Florida. Families who shop at Kroger and its family of stores (like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Mariano’s, and more) should also double-check their freezers.
Related: Popular sugar cookies sold at Target recalled in 20 states for wood contamination
What the FDA says about risk
The FDA reported that cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope, was detected in a single shipment of frozen breaded shrimp that never entered U.S. commerce. The levels found—about 68 Bq/kg—were well below the FDA’s intervention level of 1,200 Bq/kg. At that level, the agency says, the product “would not pose an acute hazard to consumers.”
The FDA also emphasized in its most recent statement that “no product that has tested positive or alerted for cesium-137 has entered the U.S. marketplace,” and as of September 21, no illnesses have been reported. However, the agency has recommended recalls for products that may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions, which could potentially lead to contamination.
So what does that mean for parents? In plain terms, there’s no immediate danger from this recall. That means parents don’t need to panic, but it’s still important to check your freezer and take the recall seriously. The concern comes from the possibility of repeated, long-term exposure to low levels of radiation, which could raise the risk of cancer over time. That’s why the FDA is urging families to avoid any potentially impacted products until the investigation is complete.
For families who want to learn more, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has additional resources on cesium-137 and its health effects.
Related: Butter recall issued after allergen warning—what parents need to know
What is Cs-137?
Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a radioactive isotope created during nuclear reactions. It’s not naturally found in food but can appear in the environment due to human activity. While very small amounts exist in soil and air worldwide, finding Cs-137 in shrimp is unusual and concerning enough to trigger FDA action.
Where the shrimp came from
The shrimp now under recall were processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), a major Indonesian exporter. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the contamination may be linked to a smelting facility or scrap metal disposal site near the company’s operations.
That’s why multiple U.S. importers—including Walmart, Kroger, AquaStar, Southwind Foods, and Beaver Street Fisheries—have now been pulled into the recall.
What parents should do right now
- Check your freezer carefully. This recall isn’t just about Walmart anymore—shrimp sold at Kroger and its family of stores (like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Mariano’s, and more) could also be affected, along with AquaStar products.
- Look for recalled lot codes. If you see one of the listed products, don’t cook or serve it.
- Toss it or return it. Consumers who have purchased affected shrimp are advised not to eat it and should either safely dispose of it or return it to the store for a full refund.
- Talk to your doctor. If you’re concerned about possible exposure, reach out for medical guidance.
- Avoid potentially impacted products. The FDA emphasizes that, while the immediate health risk is low, families should avoid any shrimp that might be contaminated until the investigation is complete.
Why this hits home for families
Food recalls always feel unsettling, but especially when they involve the staples we lean on to keep our households running smoothly. This recall is a reminder that being proactive—checking those lot codes, tossing anything that’s questionable—goes a long way in protecting your family.
Walmart says the health and safety of customers is its “top priority,” and all impacted products have already been removed from store shelves.
The takeaway for parents: A quick freezer check tonight could give you peace of mind—and that’s one less thing to worry about.
Related: Nearly 200,000 KidKraft play kitchens recalled after toddler’s tragic death
What this means for your kitchen
This shrimp recall has grown much bigger than it first appeared—spanning multiple brands, dozens of states, and a wide range of stores. The good news is that the health risk remains very low, and no contaminated shrimp has made it into U.S. kitchens.
Still, a quick freezer check tonight—whether you shop at Walmart, Kroger, or another major grocery chain—can give you peace of mind. Taking a few minutes now to double-check your shrimp means one less thing to worry about when it comes to keeping your family safe
A version of this blog was published on August 21, 2025. It’s been updated.
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