Great Value Shrimp Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

What’s the Problem?

This issue stems from a recall initiated by Walmart due to potential contamination with cesium-137, a radioactive substance, in certain frozen shrimp products.

The primary allegations involve failure to ensure product safety, potentially exposing consumers to health risks from radioactive contamination.

No reported incidents or injuries have been linked to the product as of August 2025, but the FDA detected cesium-137 in a shipment, prompting the recall of over 1,000 cases sold in states including California, Arizona, and Nevada.

The FDA issued a warning and recommended the recall on August 16, 2025, after routine testing revealed contamination levels of 68 Bq/kg, below the 1,200 Bq/kg threshold but warranting action to prevent long-term exposure risks.

Although we are not aware of any lawsuits being filed against Walmart, we are actively investigating potential claims involving radiation exposure-related injuries such as increased cancer risk or DNA damage linked to the contaminated shrimp.

Latest Great Value Shrimp Recall Lawsuit Updates

August 16, 2025 – Walmart initiated a nationwide recall of Great Value frozen cooked peeled shrimp after FDA testing detected cesium-137 contamination in a shipment from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, affecting over 1,000 cases with no reported illnesses, and dealers are instructed to dispose of affected products in California, Arizona, and Nevada [1.].

Great Value Shrimp Recall Lawsuit Statistics

The global shrimp market size was valued at USD 75.24 billion in 2024, with the U.S. shrimp market estimated at USD 8.94 billion in 2024, and Great Value as Walmart’s private label contributing significantly to affordable seafood sales.

No lawsuits have been filed as of August 2025, but potential claims could involve thousands of consumers affected by the recall of over 1,000 cases, primarily in California, Arizona, and Nevada.

No settlements have been reached, but economic impact includes potential healthcare costs from radiation exposure estimated at $32–$54 million annually for similar contaminations, based on general food safety data, with productivity losses from affected consumers potentially adding to the burden.

Trends indicate increasing scrutiny on imported seafood, with FDA reports showing rising detection rates of contaminants in 2024–2025, highlighting a pattern of regulatory interventions without widespread litigation.

FDA Reports and Statistics

As of August 2025, the FDA has reported no adverse events related to the Great Value shrimp recall, with zero illnesses linked to cesium-137 exposure from the product.

Breakdown of potential injuries includes long-term cancer risk from repeated low-dose exposure, though no specific cases have been documented for this recall.

The FDA took regulatory action by recommending the recall on August 16, 2025, after detecting cesium-137 at 68 Bq/kg in one shipment, below the 1,200 Bq/kg level of concern, but sufficient to warrant preventive measures.

Great Value Shrimp Recall Injuries & Side Effects

Consumers exposed to cesium-137 contaminated shrimp may face a range of health issues, primarily from radiation exposure, though no injuries have been reported in this recall. The side effects can vary based on exposure levels and duration.

• Cancer Risk: Prolonged low-level exposure to cesium-137 can increase the risk of cancer due to DNA damage, with studies showing elevated lifetime cancer risk from repeated ingestion.
• Radiation Sickness: Acute exposure may cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, though levels in the recalled shrimp (68 Bq/kg) are below thresholds for immediate sickness.
• Reproductive Issues: Potential fertility reduction in males from cesium-137 exposure, as evidenced by reduced spermatozoa concentrations in exposed populations.
• Neurological Effects: Possible developmental and neurological impacts in children or fetuses from prenatal exposure, including cognitive deficits.

Do You Qualify for a Great Value Shrimp Recall Lawsuit?

• You purchased or consumed Great Value frozen shrimp between January 2025 and August 2025.
• You experienced serious side effects including increased cancer risk, radiation sickness, or DNA damage.
• The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the contaminated shrimp.
• You retained receipts or proof of purchase for the affected lots.

Evidence Required for a Great Value Shrimp Recall Lawsuit

Medical records required include doctor’s notes, hospital bills, and test results showing radiation exposure or related symptoms.

Product evidence requirements include receipts, packaging labels with lot codes, or photos of the shrimp.

Proof of proper usage, such as consumption dates and methods, if applicable.

Timeline requirements for documentation: Records from within 2 years of the injury discovery, aligned with state statutes of limitations.

Damages You Can Recover

Medical expenses (past and future): Compensation for treatment costs related to radiation exposure, potentially ranging from $10,000–$100,000 depending on severity.

Lost wages and diminished earning capacity: Reimbursement for time off work or long-term disability from health impacts.

Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for physical and emotional distress, often 1–5 times medical costs in similar cases.

Punitive damages (if applicable): Awarded if gross negligence is proven, though average settlements in food contamination cases range from $50,000–$500,000.

Great Value Shrimp Recall Information

The recall was initiated on August 16, 2025, affecting specific lots of Great Value frozen cooked peeled shrimp: 8005540-1, 8005538-1, 8005539-1, with best by date 3/15/2027.

FDA recall information and identification numbers: Classified as a Class II recall by the FDA, with no specific recall number mentioned, but linked to FDA Import Alert for cesium-137.

Manufacturer actions following recall: Walmart removed products from stores and offered full refunds.

Statute of Limitations for Great Value Shrimp Recall Lawsuits

In California, the statute of limitations for product liability is 2 years from the date of injury or discovery, with a discovery rule allowing extension if contamination was not immediately apparent.

In Arizona, claims must be filed within 2 years of injury discovery, with a 12-year statute of repose for latent defects.

In Nevada, the limit is 2 years for personal injury from product liability, starting from discovery, with exceptions for fraud or concealment extending the deadline.

These claims are time-sensitive; consult a lawyer immediately to avoid missing deadlines that could bar your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a Great Value Shrimp Recall lawsuit? Contact a product liability attorney for a free consultation, gather evidence like receipts and medical records, and file in state or federal court within the statute of limitations.

What is the timeline for a Great Value Shrimp Recall lawsuit? Cases can take 1–3 years, from investigation (3–6 months) to settlement or trial, depending on complexity and negotiations.

What are the legal steps in a Great Value Shrimp Recall lawsuit? Start with a demand letter to Walmart, then file a complaint if unresolved, followed by discovery, motions, and potential trial or settlement.

Who qualifies for a Great Value Shrimp Recall lawsuit? Individuals who consumed the recalled shrimp and suffered radiation-related injuries, with medical proof linking symptoms to cesium-137 exposure.

What documentation is required for a Great Value Shrimp Recall lawsuit? Medical records showing exposure effects, product receipts with lot codes, and proof of purchase or consumption dates.

How much compensation can I get from a Great Value Shrimp Recall lawsuit? Settlements vary, but may cover medical costs ($10,000–$100,000) plus pain and suffering, with averages in food contamination cases at $50,000–$500,000.

What factors affect settlement amounts in Great Value Shrimp Recall lawsuits? Severity of injuries, medical evidence strength, and Walmart’s liability, with punitive damages possible for negligence.

What are the risks of cesium-137 in Great Value shrimp? Low-level exposure may increase cancer risk over time, though FDA states the detected levels pose no acute hazard.

Who manufactures Great Value shrimp? The recalled products were imported from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati in Indonesia and distributed by Walmart.

Can I still file if no illnesses were reported? Yes, if you can prove economic loss or potential health risks from consumption, though proving damages is challenging without symptoms.

References

1. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/walmart-great-value-shrimp-radioactive-contamination-cesium-137-fda/