Check your pantry or garage immediately.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 9,535 cases of Great Value apple juice have been recalled because the product contains “inorganic arsenic above the limit established by industry guidelines (13.2 ppb).” According to FDA guidelines, the level of inorganic arsenic in apple juice cannot exceed 10 ppb (parts per billion). The recalled Great Value apple juice exceeds the limit by 3.2 ppb.
Refresco Beverages US Inc. initiated the recall on August 15, and the FDA publicly announced the recall on August 20. Great Value is Walmart’s private label brand.
The recalled products are Great Value apple juice bottles sold in six-packs and labeled as 100% juice. The UPC is 0-78742-29655-5 and the best-by date is DEC2824 CT89-6. The bottles were distributed to Walmart locations in 27 states, including AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, PR, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT and WV.
What is arsenic?
Arsenic is an organic element found in the environment. Foods can be exposed to arsenic depending on where they are grown and processed. The FDA regulates arsenic levels because high levels can be harmful to humans.
According to the FDA, children exposed to high levels of arsenic may suffer from learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and lower IQ. Fetuses, infants, and young children are more susceptible to these risks. In adults, high levels of arsenic can cause long-term skin conditions, an increased risk of certain cancers, and cardiovascular disease. In the short term, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bruising, numbness, and burning in the extremities of the body (hands and feet).
What to do if you have the recalled products?
A Walmart spokesperson said: “The health and safety of our customers is always our top priority. We have removed this product from our affected stores and are currently investigating the incident with the supplier.”
If you have the recalled product at home, do not consume it. Return it to any Walmart store and get your money back. If you have consumed the recalled product and are concerned or have questions, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Read the original article on Simply Recipes.