Walmart recalls apple juice potentially harmful due to elevated arsenic levels in 25 states, urging consumers to return or dispose of affected products immediately.
At a Glance
- Walmart has recalled nearly 10,000 cases of apple juice due to high levels of inorganic arsenic.
- The recall affects 25 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
- The FDA classified the recall as urgent but expects no severe health consequences.
- The affected product is Great Value brand apple juice sold in six-packs of 8-ounce bottles.
Details of the Recall
Walmart has announced an immediate recall of nearly 10,000 cases of Great Value brand apple juice sold in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia due to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic, a toxic substance. The recall was classified as urgent by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although they do not expect severe or irreversible health consequences from the contamination.
The recall initially started as a voluntary action on August 15, before being upgraded to a more serious “Class II” classification on August 23. A “Class II” recall signifies that the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, and the probability of serious adverse health effects is considered remote.
The affected product involves six-packs of 8-ounce bottles of Great Value apple juice with a UPC of 0-78742-29655-5 and a “best if used by” date of December 28, 2024. Consumers are urged to check their labels and either return the juice for a full refund or dispose of it properly to mitigate health risks.
Walmart recalls apple juice sold in 25 states, including CT, due to elevated arsenic levels https://t.co/nVPbugJTS6
— Hartford Courant (@hartfordcourant) August 25, 2024
Health Implications and Regulatory Standards
The FDA found that the affected apple juice contained arsenic levels of 13.2 parts per billion, which exceeds the agency’s upper limit of 10 parts per billion for inorganic arsenic in apple juice. Inorganic arsenic is more toxic compared to organic arsenic and can have severe health effects, including nausea, vomiting, and neurological damage, particularly in young children.
“The FDA said the juices were found to have arsenic levels of 13.2 parts per billion. Last year, the FDA issued guidance on apple juice, saying it should have no more than 10 parts per billion.”
Florida-based Refresco Beverages U.S. Inc., which manufactures the product, voluntarily recalled the juice. Short-term exposure to very high levels of inorganic arsenic can cause symptoms like vomiting and muscle cramps, while long-term exposure can lead to more severe issues such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Consumer Guidance
The FDA advises consumers to follow a varied diet to mitigate health risks associated with naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic. Both Walmart and Refresco Beverages U.S. Inc. have not responded immediately to requests for comments, but the urgency of the recall serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent quality assurance protocols in food production.
“More than 9,500 cases of apple juice that were sold at Walmart stores across the United States are being recalled due to an elevated level of ‘inorganic arsenic,’ the Food and Drug Administration announced earlier this month.”
While the immediate health effects are expected to be temporary and medically reversible, the long-term exposure risks necessitate quick action from consumers to address any potential health concerns. Consumers in the affected areas should take immediate steps to return or safely dispose of the potentially contaminated apple juice.
