Walmart Recalls Apple Juice Due to Arsenic Concerns
Walmart has issued a recall for nearly 10,000 cases of Great Value brand apple juice sold in stores across the United States. The recall was prompted by the discovery of potentially harmful levels of inorganic arsenic in the product.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified this recall as urgent, stating that while the affected apple juice may cause temporary health issues, serious or irreversible medical problems are unlikely.
The recall affects 9,535 cases of Great Value apple juice sold in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. The manufacturer, Refresco Beverages US Inc., voluntarily recalled the product after finding levels of inorganic arsenic that exceeded safety standards.
Levels of inorganic arsenic in food products are closely monitored, as even slightly elevated levels can lead to symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Inorganic arsenic is more toxic to humans than its organic counterpart and has been labeled a carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Despite these concerns, the FDA does not expect the levels of arsenic found in the recalled apple juice to cause severe health issues. As of now, there have been no reports of illnesses associated with the contaminated product.