Walmart just expanded the recall of their Members Mark brand of breaded shrimp. This action comes on the heels of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) notification that one shipment had been detected positive for Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope of cesium. This announcement comes against a backdrop of increasing public concern and demands for transparency about the effects of radioactive contamination on food safety and public health.
As a result of that recall, the FDA verified that an Indonesian supplier’s sample of breaded shrimp contained Cesium-137. Fortunately, the agency assured us that this contaminated sample did not make it into US commerce. This means it never made its way into the hands of consumers in the United States. Ever since the news broke, the story has stoked fears as the shipping containers from that supplier have come under heightened scrutiny.
Walmart has already responded with a national sales ban on the item in question. In addition, they’ve eliminated it from their affected locations. The retailer is indeed taking proactive steps to work with the supplier as they all continue to fully review the facts.
“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” – Walmart spokesperson.
Detection of Cesium-137 in food products is especially troublesome because of its possible health effects. Exposure to such radioactive material can be dangerous and often times can cause severe health effects such as a higher risk of cancer. Walmart and the FDA are doing their part to shield consumers from harm. They are taking these proactive, and sometimes far-reaching steps to get the risk out of the equation.
As a direct result of this incident, the Indonesian supplier implicated has suffered extreme repercussions. In fact, many of their shipping containers have been turned away from U.S. ports when they tested positive. This recent incident has made clear the tough regulations that apply to food safety and food importation.
Walmart’s commitment to consumer safety remains strong. The company has offered customers repeated reassurances that they are doing everything possible to fix the mess. They are simultaneously working to minimize any risk that may come from the tainted shrimp.