Shrimp for dinner, anyone? Not if it’s the latest batch from Walmart! A massive recall is underway for AquaStar shrimp sold in 28 states, tainted with a radioactive isotope. Find out why this isn’t just a pinch of salt in your food, and if your recent seafood splurge could be glowing.
A significant food safety alert has been issued concerning a widespread recall of shrimp sold at Walmart stores across 28 U.S. states. AquaStar (USA) Corp of Seattle, WA, is at the center of this consumer warning, recalling thousands of packages of Cocktail Shrimp due to potential contamination with a radioactive isotope, cesium-137. This urgent action underscores the critical need for vigilance in global food supply chains and consumer awareness regarding product safety.
The affected product, 26,460 packages of 6-ounce Cocktail Shrimp, was imported from Indonesia. Investigations suggest that the shrimp may have been processed, packed, or held under insanitary conditions, leading to the risk of contamination with cesium-137 (Cs-137). This radioactive isotope poses a serious concern for public health, prompting a swift response from regulatory bodies to protect consumers.
Exposure to cesium-137, particularly through repeated, low-dose ingestion from contaminated food or water over an extended period, carries a significant health risk. The primary concern is an elevated risk of cancer, resulting from the damage that radioactive particles can inflict on DNA within the body’s living cells. Understanding these potential long-term health implications is crucial for consumers who may have purchased the affected product.
The radioactive shrimp recall impacts a broad geographical area, with sales occurring exclusively in Walmart stores across Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Alaska. The tainted shrimp was available for purchase between July 31, 2025, and August 16, 2025.
Consumers can identify the recalled AquaStar shrimp by its packaging: a clear plastic tray with a distinct red and white label. The product has a UPC of 19434612191 and specific Lot Codes including 10662 5106, 10662 5107, 10662 5124, or 10662 5125, located at the bottom of the plastic tray. It’s important for purchasers to check these identifiers carefully.
Given the serious nature of cesium-137 contamination, consumers who have bought the affected shrimp are strongly advised not to consume it. Immediate action should be taken to dispose of the product safely or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. This consumer health warning is paramount to mitigating potential risks.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety within complex international supply chains. Regulatory authorities are continuously working to monitor and enforce strict standards, but global product recalls like this underscore the vulnerabilities that can emerge. Such events serve as a stark reminder of the importance of robust quality control measures from origin to point of sale.
Ultimately, the radioactive shrimp recall serves as a critical public health reminder. Vigilance from both regulatory bodies and informed consumers is essential to prevent contaminated food products from posing a threat. Staying informed about food product alerts and understanding proper handling procedures are key components of safeguarding personal and public health against unforeseen dangers like radioactive contamination.
