Walmart Issues Recall of Apple Juice Due to Contaminants

WASHINGTON (AP) — Walmart is recalling nearly 10,000 cases of apple juice sold across the United States after tests revealed the presence of potentially harmful levels of inorganic arsenic.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) upgraded the urgency of this recall on Friday, following an initial announcement made on August 15. The new classification indicates that while the affected product could cause temporary health issues, it is not expected to lead to serious or lasting medical problems.

This recall affects 9,535 cases of Great Value brand apple juice, which were sold in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. The recall was initiated by Florida-based Refresco Beverages US Inc., the manufacturer, after discovering that the levels of arsenic in the juice exceeded safety standards.

A representative from Refresco has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the situation.

“The health and safety of our customers is always our top priority,” said Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman. “We have removed this product from the stores that were affected and are collaborating with the supplier to investigate the matter.”

Understanding Arsenic Contamination

According to the National Institutes of Health, very low levels of both inorganic and organic arsenic can be found in many food products. Routine testing is conducted since even slightly elevated levels of either type can lead to symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, numbness, and muscle cramps.

Inorganic arsenic is particularly harmful to humans compared to the naturally occurring form of the mineral. The FDA has stated that the health risks associated with exposure to inorganic arsenic are more serious. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified inorganic arsenic as a carcinogen, meaning it can potentially cause cancer.

The levels of inorganic arsenic found in the recalled apple juice are low enough that the FDA does not anticipate any severe health effects. However, they have not reported any illnesses linked to this recall as of yet.