According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, apple juice sold at Walmart has been recalled because it was found to contain levels of inorganic arsenic that exceed the limit set by industry guidelines.
Walmart has recalled more than 9,500 cases of Great Value’s 8-ounce apple juice bottles sold in six-packs in 27 states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, the FDA said. The juice’s best-by date is Dec. 28, 2024, and its UPC code is 0-78742-29655-5.
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The recall was issued on August 15, but was upgraded to Class II on Friday. The FDA defines this as “a situation in which use of or exposure to an unlawful product may result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
Arsenic is an element and naturally occurring mineral that is widespread in the environment, according to Centers for Disease Control and PreventionIt can get into food during processing — such as when contaminated water is added to a food or when processing aids used to filter juices contain arsenic, the FDA said. Inorganic arsenic is generally more toxic than organic arsenic, according to the CDC.
Symptoms of immediate arsenic poisoning include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to Cleveland ClinicLong-term exposure can lead to skin changes such as darkening and lesions and has also connected with an increased risk of skin, bladder and lung cancer as well as cardiovascular diseases.
