A recent recall has affected thousands of cases of Great Value brand 100% Apple Juice sold at Walmart stores across 27 states due to dangerously high levels of inorganic arsenic.
On August 15, Refresco Beverages U.S. voluntarily recalled 9,535 cases of the apple juice after testing revealed that the arsenic levels exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) safety recommendations. Find all the details—including what to do if you’re in possession of this juice—below.
Elevated Arsenic Levels Prompt Class II Risk Rating
The recall specifically concerns 8-ounce plastic bottles of apple juice sold in 6-packs, marked with a “Best if Used by” date of DEC2824 and a UPC number of 0-78742-29655-5. The FDA recently classified the recall as a Class II risk, indicating that the product poses a "moderate risk" to consumer health. This classification follows the discovery that the apple juice contained 13.2 parts per billion (ppb) of inorganic arsenic, surpassing the FDA’s recommended limit of 10 ppb.
The recall affects Walmart stores in Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.
Statement from Refresco Beverages U.S.
In response to the recall, Antonella Sacconi, Director of Communications at Refresco, issued a statement emphasizing the company’s commitment to consumer safety: "We are aware that certain lots of the 100% apple juice we previously manufactured contain inorganic arsenic slightly above the FDA's 10 ppb (parts per billion) action level in the FDA Final Guidance to Industry on Action Level for Inorganic Arsenic in Apple Juice, which aims at reducing the dietary exposure of contaminants to as low as possible."
Sacconi also assured consumers that there have been no reported complaints or incidents of illness related to the product. However, she reiterated the seriousness of the situation: "At this time, there are no reported complaints or incidents of illness caused by the product. Per the FDA, it is not possible to completely prevent arsenic from entering the food supply, yet exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic can have adverse health effects."
Health Risks Associated with Arsenic Exposure
Arsenic, a naturally occurring element that can enter the food supply through environmental contamination, poses significant health risks, especially when consumed in large quantities over time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic can be particularly harmful to vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.
Symptoms of arsenic exposure may include numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the feet and hands, weakness, stomach pain, or diarrhea. Prolonged exposure can lead to more severe health issues, such as patchy areas of increased skin pigment, thickened outer skin layers, and an increased risk of certain cancers, including those affecting the skin, liver, bladder, and lungs.
What to Do if You Have the Recalled Product
Consumers who have purchased the recalled Great Value apple juice are advised to throw the product out or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Refresco Beverages U.S. and Walmart are working closely with the FDA to ensure that all affected products are removed from shelves and that consumers are informed of the potential risks.
As the situation develops, both Refresco and Walmart remain committed to addressing the issue and prioritizing the safety and satisfaction of their customers.
Staying on top of recalls like this is an important part of keeping you and your family safe and healthy.
Other recent recalls include salmonella-contaminated cucumbers and CVS baby formula.
Stay safe!
