Walmart Inc. has recalled approximately 9,535 cases of its eight-ounce Great Value Apple Juice due to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic, as per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guidelines. These juices, produced by Refresco Beverages US Inc., were found to contain inorganic arsenic levels exceeding the 10 parts per billion limit set by the FDA for apple juice, measuring in at 13.2 parts per billion.
The recall, initially announced on August 15, has been escalated to a Class II recall by the FDA. This classification indicates that the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, with the likelihood of serious health consequences being remote.
The affected apple juice is sold in 6-pack PET plastic bottles, under UPC 0-78742-29655-5, with the label "Best if Used by DEC2824 CT89-6." Distribution of this product occurred across various Walmart stores in numerous states including Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The FDA highlights that inorganic arsenic poses more significant health risks than its organic counterpart. Exposure to inorganic arsenic is linked to a range of health issues such as cancer, diabetes, adverse birth outcomes, and cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental effects. Short-term exposure can lead to symptoms including nausea, vomiting, bruising, and numbness or burning sensations in the extremities. Prolonged exposure may result in skin disorders, and an increased risk of skin, bladder, and lung cancers, as well as cardiovascular disease.
In a similar incident, Pure Brands of California recalled its PureFog Juice Liquid sold exclusively on Amazon.com in March due to potential mold exposure. The premature expiration of the fog liquid presented risks of respiratory or other infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems, damaged lungs, or mold allergies.
