Hello everyone! Here’s a heads-up for all the parents and juice lovers out there! According to a recent announcement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), over 9,500 cases of apple juice sold at Walmart stores across the United States are being recalled due to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic. This recall concerns the “Great Value” brand 8oz Apple Juice, which is a popular choice for many families.
The recall was initiated by Refresco Beverages US Inc., the manufacturer behind these juices, and it was classified as a “Class II” recall by the FDA on August 23. The juices were sold in six-packs of PET plastic bottles, and the affected products can be identified by the UPC code 0-78742-29655-5 and a “best if used by” date of December 28, 2024.
The juices were available at Walmart stores in multiple states, including Alabama, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania, as well as in Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. So, if you’ve got any of these in your pantry, you might want to double-check the labels!
#News: Walmart has recalled nearly 10,000 cases of Great Value brand apple juice sold across the US due to potentially harmful levels of inorganic arsenic. The recall, initially announced on August 15, was escalated by the FDA after finding that the affected product could cause… pic.twitter.com/jxOsLaZKIh
— ONLY in DADE (@ONLYinDADE) August 26, 2024
Now, let’s talk about why this recall is happening. The apple juices were found to contain 13.2 parts per billion of inorganic arsenic. That might not sound like a lot, but according to the FDA’s guidelines, the upper limit for inorganic arsenic in apple juice should be no more than 10 parts per billion. Arsenic, a naturally occurring mineral, is toxic to humans, especially when consumed at high levels.
The FDA’s classification of this as a “Class II” recall means that while the risk of serious health consequences is remote, there is still a chance that exposure to this product could cause temporary or medically reversible health issues. This is particularly concerning for young children, who are more vulnerable to the effects of arsenic. High levels of exposure can lead to serious problems, including learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties, and lowered IQ. For adults, long-term exposure has been linked to skin disorders, increased risks for certain cancers, and cardiovascular disease.
In the short term, consuming very high amounts of inorganic arsenic can cause nausea, vomiting, and other unpleasant symptoms like bruising and numbness in the hands and feet. While the presence of arsenic in food doesn’t automatically mean you should avoid it altogether, the FDA advises consumers to eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods to minimize the risks associated with contaminants like arsenic.
Walmart has recalled nearly 10,000 cases of Great Value brand apple juice sold in stores across the U.S. due to potentially harmful levels of inorganic arsenic. https://t.co/98brupgzeg
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 26, 2024
If you have any of the recalled apple juice at home, it’s best to stop using it and return it to the store for a refund. And if you have any concerns about exposure, it might be a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider.
Stay safe out there, and keep an eye on those food labels!
