Walmart Recalls Apple Juice in 25 States Due to Elevated Arsenic Levels

  August 26, 2024    Buddieizreal

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 Walmart Recalls Apple Juice in 25 States Due to Elevated Arsenic Levels

Walmart has initiated a recall of nearly 10,000 cases of apple juice sold in its stores across the United States, following the discovery of potentially harmful levels of inorganic arsenic in the product.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) heightened the urgency of the recall on Friday after initially announcing it on August 15. The updated classification indicates that the affected apple juice may cause temporary adverse health effects, although it is unlikely to result in serious or long-term medical issues.

The recall involves 9,535 cases of Great Value brand apple juice sold in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. The recall was voluntarily initiated by Refresco Beverages US Inc., a Florida-based manufacturer after the company identified elevated levels of the chemical contaminant that surpassed industry standards in the six-packs of 8-ounce (227-gram) juice bottles.

Refresco still needs to respond to requests for comment.

"The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority," said Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman. "We have removed this product from our affected stores and are collaborating with the supplier to conduct a thorough investigation."

According to the National Institutes of Health, inorganic and organic arsenic are traceable in many food products. Routine testing is conducted since even slightly elevated levels of these compounds can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, numbness, and muscle cramping.

The FDA notes that inorganic arsenic, which is more toxic than the naturally occurring organic form, poses a greater health risk. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified inorganic arsenic as a carcinogen, a substance that can cause cancer.

Despite the elevated levels found in the recalled apple juice bottles, the FDA does not anticipate severe health consequences from this exposure. So far, the FDA has not received any reports of illnesses related to the apple juice recall.