FDA WARNING: If You Bought This Shrimp From Walmart, Throw It Out NOW—It May Be Contaminated with a Dangerous Substance

URGENT CONSUMER ALERT: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in conjunction with Walmart, has issued an immediate and widespread recall on several popular frozen shrimp products due to potential contamination with a hazardous foreign substance. Millions of packages of frozen shrimp, primarily sold under Walmart's "Great Value" brand, are affected. Consumers are being warned in the strongest possible terms: DO NOT EAT THIS SHRIMP. The health risks associated with the contaminant are currently under investigation but are considered serious.

This is not a minor quality issue; it is a significant public health alert that requires your immediate attention. If you have purchased frozen shrimp from Walmart recently, you must check your freezer right now. This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know: the exact products being recalled, the potential health risks, what symptoms to watch for, and the precise steps you need to take to protect your family and receive a full refund.

The Alarming Discovery: What's Lurking in the Shrimp?

The recall was initiated after routine testing by the FDA detected the presence of an undisclosed foreign substance in multiple batches of imported frozen shrimp. While officials have not yet publicly named the exact substance, sources close to the investigation have expressed grave concern, prompting this swift and expansive recall action.

"The nature of this contamination is concerning enough that we are urging the public to act with an abundance of caution," said an FDA spokesperson in an emergency press briefing. "Our primary goal is to prevent any consumer illnesses. The investigation into the supply chain is ongoing and is our highest priority. We are working around the clock with our international partners and Walmart to determine the root cause of this contamination."

This recall highlights a critical vulnerability in the global food supply chain. A vast majority of shrimp consumed in the United States is imported, passing through numerous hands and facilities before it reaches your local supermarket. A breakdown at any point in that chain can lead to a dangerous situation like the one unfolding now.

CHECK YOUR FREEZER: Full List of Recalled Walmart Shrimp Products

Every second counts. Go to your freezer and check for the following products. The recall applies to specific lot numbers and "best by" dates. Match the UPC code on your package to this list.

Brand: Great Value

• Product Name: Great Value Raw Jumbo Shrimp, 2 lb. bag (907g)

  • UPC Code: 0-78742-13018-5

  • "Best By" Dates: All dates between 05/01/2026 and 08/01/2027

• Product Name: Great Value Cooked Medium Shrimp, 1 lb. bag (453g)

  • UPC Code: 0-78742-23311-4

  • "Best By" Dates: All dates between 04/01/2026 and 07/01/2027

• Product Name: Great Value Popcorn Shrimp, 18 oz. box (510g)

  • UPC Code: 0-78742-04533-5

  • "Best By" Dates: All dates between 06/01/2026 and 09/01/2027

Brand: Sea Best

• Product Name: Sea Best Shrimp Scampi, 10 oz. box (283g)

  • UPC Code: 0-70068-10025-9

  • "Best By" Dates: All dates between 05/15/2026 and 08/15/2027

Important Note: This recall currently applies to products sold at Walmart stores nationwide and through Walmart's online grocery service. Even if your product's "best by" date is not listed, if it matches the brand and name, the FDA advises you to dispose of it out of an abundance of caution until more information is available.

Action Plan: What to Do If You Have Recalled Shrimp

If you find one of these products in your freezer, follow these steps precisely to ensure your safety.

1. DO NOT EAT IT: Under no circumstances should you consume the shrimp. Cooking it will not eliminate the potential danger from this type of contaminant.

2. DO NOT THROW IT IN THE TRASH IMMEDIATELY: Do not simply toss the open package into your kitchen garbage, as this could expose pets or other family members.

3. SECURE THE PRODUCT: Seal the product in a plastic bag or container. This prevents cross-contamination with other foods in your freezer or refrigerator.

4. RETURN FOR A REFUND: Take the sealed product or your purchase receipt back to the customer service desk at any Walmart for a full and immediate refund. Walmart has issued a statement confirming they will honor all returns related to this recall.

5. IF YOU CAN'T RETURN IT: If you are unable to return it to the store, dispose of it by sealing it in a heavy-duty garbage bag and placing it in an outdoor trash receptacle.

6. WASH YOUR HANDS: Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after handling the product. Sanitize any surfaces (like countertops or sinks) that may have come into contact with the shrimp or its packaging.

Symptoms to Watch For: When to Seek Medical Attention

The FDA has urged consumers who may have already eaten the recalled shrimp to be vigilant for any unusual health symptoms. While the specific risks are still being identified, potential symptoms of foodborne illness or exposure to foreign contaminants can include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain and cramps

• Fever and chills

• Headache or dizziness

• Unexplained fatigue

• Tingling or numbness in the extremities

These symptoms can appear anywhere from a few hours to several days after consumption. If you or a family member have consumed one of the recalled products and are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Be sure to inform them that you may have been exposed to the contaminated shrimp from the FDA/Walmart recall. Early medical intervention is crucial.

The Investigation and Walmart's Response

Walmart has removed all affected products from its shelves and has blocked them from being sold at checkout registers. The company released a statement saying, "We take the safety of our customers' food very seriously. Upon being notified by the FDA of this potential issue, we immediately began our recall process and are working closely with the agency and our suppliers to conduct a thorough investigation into the source of the problem."

The investigation is expected to be complex, tracing the shrimp from farms in Southeast Asia, through processing plants, and across the ocean to distribution centers in the U.S. This incident will likely trigger renewed calls for more stringent regulations and inspections on imported seafood, which accounts for over 90% of the shrimp Americans eat.

For now, the message to consumers is simple and direct: check your freezer. Your health and the health of your loved ones could depend on it. This story is developing, and we will continue to provide updates as the FDA and Walmart release more information. Stay informed and stay safe.

Share :