Apple juice sold by various retailers across the United States is being recalled due to potential contamination with arsenic, a heavy metal that can have serious health effects. The recall affects 133,500 cases of products produced by Refresco Beverages Inc. and sold in 26 states. The FDA had previously recalled Walmart’s Great Value brand apple juice, but the recall has now been expanded to include products sold at Walmart, Walgreens, Aldi, and others.
The apple juice recall includes products from a variety of brands such as Great Value, Nice!, Market Basket, Weis, and Brooklyn Fare, among others. These products were sold in 26 states, as well as in D.C. and Puerto Rico. Retailers like Walmart have removed the affected products from their shelves and are working with the supplier to investigate the issue. The health and safety of customers is a top priority, according to Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman.
Arsenic may be present in apple juice if it is found in the fruit itself. Small amounts of arsenic can be present in water, soil, and plants like apple trees, which absorb the metal. Arsenic can occur naturally in soil but also may result from past chemical applications on orchards. While these chemicals are no longer used, traces of arsenic may still remain in the environment. Inorganic arsenic, the type involved in the apple juice recall, is a known carcinogen and can be toxic if consumed in high quantities.
Ingesting apple juice contaminated with arsenic is unlikely to cause serious symptoms, but may result in temporary or reversible adverse effects. Short-term signs of arsenic poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and muscle cramping. Exposure to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic can be especially harmful to children, potentially leading to learning disabilities, lowered IQ, and behavior difficulties, according to the FDA. Consumers who have purchased the recalled apple juice products are advised to discard them or return them to the retailer for a refund.
The recall has affected products sold in various states such as Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, among others. The ongoing apple juice recall is due to potential contamination with arsenic and affects a wide range of products from different brands. Arsenic can be found in various foods in small amounts, with some sources being arsenic-containing pesticides used in the past. While arsenic in apple juice may not typically cause severe symptoms, exposure should be minimized, especially for children who are more vulnerable to its effects.
Consumers should be aware of the risks associated with consuming apple juice that may be contaminated with arsenic and follow the recall guidelines provided by the FDA and the retailers involved. The presence of arsenic in the affected apple juice products is a serious concern due to its potential health effects. It is important for consumers to stay informed about the recall and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.
