By Staff Writer: Kayla Reichenbach
The Food and Drug Administration has advised consumers not to eat certain frozen shrimp imported from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, an Indonesian supplier. Recalls have included Walmart’s Great Value frozen raw shrimp, with three affected lot codes sold in 13 states.
New Mexico is not on that list, meaning Walmart stores in Clovis and Portales are not part of the recall. Still, local Facebook groups lit up last week with questions about whether area stores were involved. One post in the Cannon Air Force Base spouses and significant others group asked if the “shrimp thing” applied here, with many commenters saying they would not be surprised.
The FDA said the shrimp may have been handled under unsanitary conditions and could contain trace levels of cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. While testing showed contamination below federal safety thresholds, health officials warn that repeated exposure could carry long-term risks.
Shrimp remains a common purchase for students, military families and local restaurants that source seafood from Walmart. With eastern New Mexico far from the ocean and limited fresh seafood options available, residents rely heavily on imported frozen products, which is why the recall drew attention locally.