By Arianna Johnson
(Source: Forbes Staff)
Topline Walmart voluntarily recalled almost 10,000 cases of its Great Value brand apple juice due to concerns of high arsenic levels, a recall the Food and Drug Administration upgraded because the products may cause temporary adverse events, though the agency hasn’t shared any reports of illnesses.
* Walmart recalled 9,535 cases of its 8-ounce Great Value brand apple juice bottles on August 15 after discovering the bottles contain high levels of inorganic arsenic that exceed industry standards, according to a notice by the FDA.
* The FDA upgraded the recall Friday to a Class II recall, meaning consuming the products could potentially “cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
* The FDA has not shared whether the affected juices have caused any reports of adverse events in customers.
* Florida-based manufacturer Refresco Beverages US Inc. issued the voluntary recall, which applies to Walmart locations in 25 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.
* The best if used by date for the affected products is Dec. 28, 2024.
* Forbes has reached out to Refresco Beverages for comment.
Crucial Quote
“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” Walmart said in a statement shared with Forbes. “We have removed this product from our impacted stores and are working with the supplier to investigate.”
What States Are Affected By The Apple Juice Recall?
The states included in the apple juice recall are Alabama, Connecticut, D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont and West Virginia.
Does Apple Juice Have Arsenic?
Yes, arsenic can be found in some apple juice and other fruit juices. Arsenic is a chemical that occurs in the environment from both natural and manmade sources like volcanic eruptions, arsenic-containing rocks, arsenic-containing pesticides or contamination from mining, according to the FDA. There are two types of arsenic: organic and inorganic. Inorganic arsenic is considered more dangerous, and apple juice is one source of exposure to inorganic arsenic. The FDA monitors arsenic levels in apple juice and set a limit of 10 parts per billion for inorganic arsenic in 2023.
What Health Risks Are Associated With Consuming Arsenic?
The most common source of arsenic exposure is contaminated drinking water, but it can be found in low levels in other food products like rice and fish since the chemical can occur in soil and water, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Arsenic can affect a wide range of organs and systems including the immune system, cardiovascular system, skin, endocrine system, nervous system, prostate glands, respiratory system, kidneys, bladder and liver, according to the NIEHS. Short-term exposure to high levels of arsenic can lead to nausea, vomiting, bruising and numbness or a burning sensation in the hands and feet, according to the FDA. Both forms of arsenic are known carcinogens, and long-term exposure is associated with lung, skin, liver, kidney and bladder cancer. Childhood exposure to arsenic may increase the risk of developing bladder and lung cancer later in life, according to research by the University of California, Berkeley. Some studies have found a connection between exposure to low-to-moderate levels of arsenic and metabolic diseases like diabetes.
