Walmart Recalls Great Value Apple Juice Due to Elevated Arsenic Levels

Walmart has issued a voluntary recall for over 9,500 cases of its Great Value Apple Juice due to high levels of inorganic arsenic. The recall affects six-packs of eight-ounce bottles sold in 27 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The affected products have a “Best If Used By” date of December 28, 2024, and the UPC code 0-78742-29655-5. The recall was initiated by Refresco Beverages US Inc., the Florida-based manufacturer, after tests showed arsenic levels of 13.2 parts per billion, which exceed the FDA’s safety limit of 10 parts per billion for inorganic arsenic in apple juice.

Inorganic arsenic is a toxic substance that can lead to various health issues, including skin lesions, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The FDA has classified this recall as a Class II recall, which indicates that the consumption of the product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, although the risk of serious health consequences is remote.

Walmart, in collaboration with a Dutch manufacturer, has issued a voluntary recall of its “Great Value” brand apple juice after tests revealed elevated levels of arsenic. The recall affects apple juice sold in 8-ounce sizes packaged in 6-pack plastic bottles, distributed in several states across the East Coast, the southern United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

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According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recalled apple juice contained arsenic levels of about 13 parts per billion (ppb), slightly above the agency’s safe limit of 10 ppb for consumption. The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, indicating that while the health risk may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, the likelihood of severe consequences is considered low.

In response to the recall, Walmart emphasized its commitment to customer safety. “The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” stated Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman. “We have removed this product from our impacted stores and are working with the supplier to investigate.”

The juice was manufactured by Refresco, a Netherlands-based company with U.S. headquarters in Tampa, Florida. Refresco has yet to provide a comment regarding the recall.

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The FDA notes that inorganic arsenic, which is the type of arsenic found in this recall, is often associated with contaminated drinking water. Unlike naturally occurring arsenic, which exists at low levels in the environment, prolonged exposure to inorganic arsenic can lead to severe health issues such as cancer and birth defects.

Key Points:

i. Walmart is recalling its “Great Value” apple juice due to elevated arsenic levels found in certain batches.

ii. The recall affects 8-ounce apple juice sold in 6-packs across various states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

iii. The arsenic level detected was slightly above the FDA’s safe consumption limit, leading to a Class II recall.

iv. Walmart has removed the affected product from stores and is investigating with the supplier.

v. Inorganic arsenic, unlike its naturally occurring counterpart, poses significant health risks with prolonged exposure.

RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News