The Food and Drug Administration is recalling frozen shrimp sold at Walmart for possible radioactive chemical contamination.

The FDA advised the recall in an Aug. 19 notice, saying certain raw frozen shrimp products processed by Indonesian company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods) had tested positive for Cesium-137, or Cs-137. Walmart sells the products under its Great Value brand.

The presence of the chemical element violates the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, said the FDA, as it appears the affected product may have been "prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with Cs-137 and may pose a safety concern."

Here's what to know.

Which products are recalled?

Two-pound bags of Great Value brand Frozen Raw Ez Peel Tail-On Farm-Raised White Vannamei Shrimp are subject to the recall. Lot codes and best by dates include the following:

  • Lot code: 8005540-1; best by date: 3/15/2027
  • Lot code: 8005538-1; best by date: 3/15/2027
  • Lot code: 8005539-1; best by date: 3/15/2027

What is Cesium-137 (Cs-137) and why is it regulated?

Cs-137 is a radioisotope of cesium, meaning it is a chemical element that emits radiation as it breaks down. It is man-made and is produced by nuclear fission, according to the FDA. In the United States, it is used in medical devices and measurement gauges, such as industrial devices that measure the thickness of materials.

Because it is widespread around the globe, trace amounts can be found in the environment, including soil, food and air, said the FDA. Agencies, including the FDA and U.S. Customs & Border Protection, test for, monitor and regulate the presence of the substance due to the risks associated with long-term exposure.

The FDA said low-level radiation exposure over time can lead to serious health complications. Exposure to Cs-137 alone can cause burns, acute radiation sickness, cancer and death. As a result, the governing agencies restrict potential exposure to lessen the possibility of these long-term impacts.

The FDA said the presence of Cs-137 was confirmed in one sample of breaded shrimp, which was denied entry into the United States.

"FDA has concluded that the level detected in the breaded shrimp sample could represent a potential health concern for those exposed to this level of Cs-137 from consumption of the shrimp over an extended period of time combined with radiation that exists in the environment and from other sources such as medical procedures," the agency said in a statement.

While Cs-137 was only detected in a single shipment thus far, that does not mean other products made by the same manufacturer are not impacted.

PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati has also been placed on an import alert that prevents any of their food products from entering the United States until it resolves any conditions that could have caused the exposure.

Where were the recalled shrimp sold?

According to Walmart, shrimp products made by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati were distributed in 13 states.

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Missouri
  • Mississippi
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • Texas
  • West Virginia

What to do if you have recalled shrimp

If you have a package of the recalled Walmart shrimp at home, throw it away and do not eat or serve it, said the FDA. Distributors and retailers should dispose of the product and should not sell or serve it.

Those who fear they may have been exposed to elevated levels of cesium should contact their medical provider. To make a complaint or report an adverse reaction, consumers can visit the FDA's Industry and Consumer Assistance portal.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FDA warns of radioactive contamination in some frozen shrimp sold at Walmart

Reporting by Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect