The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered a recall of frozen shrimp imported from Indonesia over fears of radioactive contamination.
The seafood, supplied by the company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, was sold in 13 states through retail giant Walmart, according to the FDA advisory issued on Tuesday.
The alert came after tests detected traces of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope, in some samples of shrimp. The FDA said the level of radioactivity found was very low and does not pose an immediate health risk.
However, the agency warned that long-term exposure to Cesium-137, even in small amounts, can increase the risk of cancer.
Although no shrimp currently on sale in Walmart stores has tested positive for contamination, the FDA said the shrimp may have been prepared, packed, or stored in unsanitary conditions, which could have led to contamination.
The FDA has advised anyone who bought the recalled shrimp to throw it away immediately and avoid eating it. Walmart is cooperating with authorities to remove the product from its shelves.
The recall is part of strict U.S. food safety measures aimed at protecting consumers from harmful substances.
