Clearwater, FL — FDA Shrimp Recall: Contaminated Imports Put Florida Shoppers at Risk

Clearwater, FL (August 25th, 2025) – Florida shoppers were on alert after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about imported frozen shrimp sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand. The shrimp, produced by Indonesian company PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (BMS Foods), tested positive for Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope linked to long-term health risks.

While the FDA reports that the contaminated shrimp were intercepted before reaching store shelves, the warning underscores the dangers consumers face when unsafe products enter the U.S. food supply chain.

Florida families should not have to second-guess whether the food they buy is safe. Yet, when federal regulators issue warnings like this one, it shakes consumer confidence. At Light & Wyatt Law Group, our Clearwater attorneys understand how recalls impact families across the state. If you suspect that contaminated seafood or another unsafe product has affected your household, our team is here to review your situation and explain your legal rights. Call 727-499-9900 today for a free consultation.

What’s Going On with the Shrimp Recall?

The shrimp were processed by PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (also known as BMS Foods) in Indonesia. The concern? Possible contamination with Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope that poses long-term health risks, even in low doses.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection flagged the shipments when they arrived at ports in Miami, Houston, Savannah, and Los Angeles. Testing confirmed contamination, which prompted the FDA to issue a “Do Not Eat, Sell, or Serve” advisory. The products were placed on an import red list, halting further shipments until the supplier demonstrates compliance with U.S. safety standards.

This recall also highlights gaps in global food monitoring. Imported seafood often travels thousands of miles and passes through multiple hands before arriving at Florida supermarkets. If even one link in that chain fails to follow safety protocols, contaminated products can slip through. For families who rely on frozen imports, this creates a constant tension between affordability, convenience, and trust in regulatory systems.

What Product Are Affected By the Shrimp Recall?

The shrimp in question were packaged under Walmart’s Great Value label with specific lot codes and a best-by date of March 15, 2027. Walmart has confirmed that affected products have been removed from shelves and is offering refunds for purchases.

For Clearwater residents and others across the state, the key message is simple: if you have these shrimp in your freezer, do not eat them. Discard the product and, if you’re unsure whether you purchased one of the affected lots, contact Walmart for guidance.

Even though the FDA believes the contaminated shrimp never reached consumers, the warning serves as a wake-up call. Florida’s reliance on imported seafood makes careful oversight critical.

A full list of the impacted products are available on the FDA alert.

Why Cesium-137 Matters

Cesium-137 is not something anyone expects to find in seafood. It’s a radioactive byproduct of nuclear reactions that can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer when exposure occurs over time. Even small amounts are cause for concern, which is why the FDA treats findings of Cs-137 in imported food so seriously.

Although the detected levels did not present an immediate health emergency, the FDA acted quickly to prevent long-term exposure. For Florida families who often rely on frozen seafood as a staple, the episode is a reminder of how vulnerable the food supply can be when manufacturers and distributors fail to uphold strict safety standards.

Legal Concerns Raised by the Recalled Shrimp

Under product liability law, companies in the chain of distribution, including foreign suppliers, importers, and retailers, can be held responsible if unsafe products make their way into consumer hands. Even if a product never reaches a household, exposure risks, potential illnesses, or the costs of disposing of unsafe food can give rise to questions about responsibility and accountability.

There is also the question of negligence. If a manufacturer fails to follow safety procedures, or if contaminated products are shipped in violation of federal law, consumers may have the right to pursue claims for damages. In this case, the FDA pointed to violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which prohibits food prepared or held under conditions that may make it injurious to health.

For families in Clearwater, the shrimp recall illustrates how a failure abroad can ripple into local grocery aisles, raising concerns that may not become apparent until regulators step in.

Why Clearwater Families Should Pay Attention to Food Recalls

Florida shoppers have faced a series of dangerous product recalls in recent years—from vodka sold as an energy drink to listeria-contaminated ice cream bars and now radioactive shrimp. Each case underscores the same point: when companies cut corners or fail to ensure safety, it’s consumers who face the risks.

Living in a coastal community like Clearwater, seafood is part of daily life. Many families depend on frozen imports sold at local supermarkets. As such, recalls like this are not distant stories. They have direct relevance to what ends up on dinner tables here at home.

How a Clearwater Product Liability Lawyer Can Help

Foodborne illness cases can be challenging to prove. Large distributors and importers often deny responsibility or attempt to shift blame. Working with experienced Clearwater product liability lawyers ensures that victims have advocates who understand the legal and scientific evidence required in these cases.

At Light & Wyatt Law Group, we know how unsettling it is to learn that a product your family depends on could be unsafe. You have the right to expect that food on store shelves has been carefully vetted before it reaches you. When that trust is broken, accountability matters.

If you or someone you love may have been affected by the recent shrimp recall, contact our Clearwater office to discuss your situation. We’ll walk you through your options and help determine the best path forward. Call 727-499-9900 to schedule a free consultation.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association