Walmart has issued a recall of nearly 10,000 cases of Great Value brand apple juice sold in 25 states due to elevated levels of arsenic, a toxic metal that can have adverse health effects. The recall affects 8-ounce bottles of apple juice sold in six packs, with inorganic arsenic levels of 13.2 parts per billion, above the FDA’s considered safe limit of 10 ppb. The affected products have a UPC code of 0-78742-29655-5 and a “best if used by” date of DEC2824 CT89-6. The recall was designated as a Class II, indicating that exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
The product was distributed to numerous states primarily in the South and Northeast, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Arsenic may be present in apple juice if it is found in the fruit itself, as small traces of arsenic can be found in water and soil, which plants like apple trees absorb. While arsenic can exist naturally in soil, it also may be found in chemicals previously sprayed on orchards. Despite these chemicals no longer being used, some residual arsenic from this process may still be present. Inorganic arsenic is more toxic than organic arsenic and is a known carcinogen, making it particularly dangerous.
Inorganic arsenic can often make its way into the environment through various means such as building products, drinking water contaminated with arsenic, among others. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, muscle cramping, and other adverse effects. Exposure to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic can be especially harmful for children, as it has been associated with learning disabilities, lowered IQ, and behavior difficulties. Another recent recall of apple juice due to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic was made by S. Martinelli & Company for their Martinelli’s Gold Medal Apple Juice.
Refresco Beverages Inc., the company responsible for the Walmart apple juice, initiated the recall on Aug. 15 and is working with the supplier to investigate the issue. Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman stated that customer health and safety are a top priority for the company, and they have promptly removed the affected product from impacted stores. Arsenic in various forms can be found in a variety of foods, including dark chocolate, rice, and seafood, in addition to apple juice. The Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program notes that small amounts of arsenic can be present in many types of food due to its natural presence in the environment.
The FDA’s categorization of the Walmart apple juice recall as Class II indicates that while exposure to the product may result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, the likelihood of serious adverse health effects is remote. It is essential for consumers to be aware of recalls related to food products to ensure their safety and well-being. As investigations into the source of inorganic arsenic in apple juice continue, regulatory agencies and manufacturers are working to address these issues and prevent future occurrences.
