(Cupventi.com) – More than 9,500 cases of apple juice sold at Walmart stores across the United States have been recalled due to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic, according to an announcement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this month. The juice, manufactured by Refresco Beverages US Inc. and sold under Walmart’s “Great Value” brand, was distributed in 8-ounce PET plastic bottles packaged in six-packs.
The FDA identified the affected products by their UPC code (0-78742-29655-5) and noted that the “best if used by” date on these bottles is December 28, 2024. The recall was initiated on August 15, 2024, and subsequently classified as a “Class II” recall on August 23, 2024. The Class II classification signifies that the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, with the likelihood of serious consequences being remote.
The recalled apple juice was distributed in Walmart stores located across 30 states, including Alabama, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas, as well as in Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.
The recall was prompted after the apple juice was found to contain arsenic levels of 13.2 parts per billion (ppb), which exceeds the FDA’s guidance issued in June 2023 that caps the acceptable level of inorganic arsenic in apple juice at 10 ppb. Arsenic, a naturally occurring mineral, is toxic to humans and poses varying health risks depending on factors such as the level of arsenic exposure, the age of the consumer, and the duration and frequency of exposure.
According to the FDA, high levels of arsenic can be particularly dangerous for young children, leading to adverse neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties, and lowered IQ. For adults, long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic has been associated with skin disorders, an increased risk of cancers (including skin, bladder, and lung cancers), and cardiovascular disease. Short-term exposure to high levels of arsenic can result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bruising, and numbness or burning sensations in the extremities.
Despite the risks, the FDA emphasized that the presence of arsenic in food does not necessarily mean it should be avoided altogether. They advised consumers to maintain a varied diet, which can help mitigate the risks associated with contaminants like arsenic.