August 26, 2024 – Walmart has issued a recall for nearly 10,000 cases of its Great Value brand apple juice across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia after potentially dangerous levels of inorganic arsenic were detected in the product. The recall, originally announced on August 15 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has now been classified as more urgent.
The recall affects 9,535 cases of six-packs containing 8-ounce bottles of apple juice manufactured by Florida-based Refresco Beverages US Inc. The voluntary recall was initiated by Refresco after tests revealed that the levels of inorganic arsenic in the juice exceeded industry standards. The contaminated product was distributed in 25 states, including major markets such as New York, Florida, and California.
Inorganic arsenic is known to be more toxic to humans than its naturally occurring form, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifying it as a carcinogen. While very low levels of both inorganic and organic arsenic are commonly found in various food products, higher levels can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, numbness, and muscle cramping. However, the FDA has stated that the levels of inorganic arsenic found in the recalled apple juice are unlikely to cause serious or irreversible health issues.
“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” said Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman in a statement. “We have removed this product from our impacted stores and are working with the supplier to investigate.”
To date, the FDA has not reported any illnesses associated with the recalled apple juice. However, consumers who have purchased the affected product are advised to stop using it immediately and return it to the store for a full refund.
The FDA’s recall impacts Walmart stores in the following states: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Refresco Beverages US Inc. has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the recall.
This recall underscores the importance of routine testing in food manufacturing, as even slight deviations from safety standards can prompt significant public health actions. Consumers are urged to check their pantry for the affected product and monitor any health symptoms if they believe they have consumed the contaminated juice.
For more information, customers can visit the FDA’s website or contact Walmart’s customer service for further assistance.
Credit: CBS News
