Walmart Recalls Apple Juice Due to Elevated Arsenic Levels
Walmart has issued a recall for nearly 10,000 cases of its Great Value brand apple juice after discovering elevated levels of inorganic arsenic. The juice, produced by Refresco Beverages, was sold in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. The recall, initially announced on August 15, was classified as more urgent by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday. According to the FDA, while the levels of arsenic found in the juice are unlikely to cause serious health issues, they could lead to temporary adverse health effects.
Refresco Beverages Voluntarily Recalls Contaminated Juice
Refresco Beverages, based in Florida, voluntarily recalled the six-packs of 8-ounce juice bottles after routine testing revealed levels of inorganic arsenic that exceeded industry standards. The company has not yet commented on the recall. Walmart, in a statement, emphasized that the health and safety of its customers is a top priority, and it has removed the product from all impacted stores. The retailer is also working closely with Refresco to investigate the issue further.
Potential Health Risks of Inorganic Arsenic
Inorganic arsenic, which is more toxic than its organic counterpart, is a known carcinogen according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Although the levels found in the recalled apple juice are not expected to cause severe health problems, prolonged exposure to inorganic arsenic can lead to serious health issues. Symptoms of exposure include vomiting, abdominal pain, and muscle cramping. The FDA has not reported any illnesses associated with the contaminated juice so far, but consumers are advised to discard the affected products immediately.
