Walmart has issued a recall for nearly 10,000 cases of its Great Value brand apple juice across 25 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.C. due to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic, which exceeds the FDA's safety limit. The recall, classified as Class II, indicates potential for temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. Consumers are advised to dispose of the product or return it for a refund.
A significant recall has been issued for Walmart's Great Value brand apple juice after tests revealed inorganic arsenic levels above the FDA's acceptable limit of 10 parts per billion. This recall affects approximately 9,535 cases and spans multiple states including Florida and New York. The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, suggesting that the health risks, while not immediately severe, could lead to adverse effects if consumed.
The recalled apple juice is packaged in 8-ounce bottles sold in six-packs with a UPC code of 0-78742-29655-5 and a best-used-by date of December 28, 2024. The recall was initiated after the discovery of 13.2 parts per billion of inorganic arsenic in the juice, surpassing the FDA's limit. The affected products were removed from shelves in all impacted Walmart locations, and the retailer, along with the supplier Refresco Beverages, is investigating the cause of the contamination.
Inorganic arsenic, the type found in the recalled apple juice, is more toxic than organic arsenic and is known to be carcinogenic. Exposure to inorganic arsenic can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. Children are particularly vulnerable, with potential impacts on their neurological development and IQ. While the FDA states that the levels found in the recalled juice are unlikely to cause serious health issues, the long-term effects of exposure even at low levels can be significant.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled apple juice are urged to either throw it away or return it to Walmart for a refund. Walmart and Refresco Beverages are taking steps to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future, including enhanced testing and quality control measures. The recall highlights the ongoing issues of contaminants in food products and the need for stringent safety standards to protect public health.
The recall of Walmart's Great Value apple juice due to high arsenic levels serves as a critical reminder of the importance of food safety and the potential health risks associated with contaminants. Consumers are advised to heed recall notices and return affected products, while regulatory bodies continue to monitor and enforce safety standards to prevent such issues.
"The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority." - Walmart spokesperson