New Yorkers should check their refrigerators because apple juice sold in Walmart stores has been recalled because it contains potentially harmful levels of arsenic.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a voluntary recall has been issued for nearly 10,000 cases of the 8-ounce Great Value apple juice sold in six-packs in PET plastic bottles (UPC 0-78742-29655-5) at Walmart stores. In the recall issued on August 15, the federal agency stated that the apple juice “contains inorganic arsenic above the limit established by industry guidelines.”
The recall classification was upgraded to Class II on Friday. The FDA defines this as a product that “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
In addition to New York, the affected juice was also sold in 24 other states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, according to the FDA recall notice.
“The health and safety of our customers is always our highest priority,” a Walmart representative said in a written statement Monday. “We have removed this product from our affected stores and are working with the supplier to investigate.”
Here’s what you should know:
What are the different FDA classification levels?
There are three classification levels – Class I, II and III – that indicate how harmful the recalled product is.
Class III is the least harmful because, according to the FDA, the product is “not likely to cause adverse health consequences.” Class II products “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is remote,” and Class I products “may cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
What is the difference between organic and inorganic arsenic?
Inorganic arsenic is a confirmed carcinogen, i.e. a substance that can cause cancer, and is, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), “a chemical contaminant of drinking water worldwide”.
The intergovernmental organization explains that inorganic arsenic compounds, which are typically found in water, are very toxic, while organic arsenic compounds, which are found in seafood, are less harmful.
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Which company is associated with the Great Value apple juice recall?
According to the FDA report, Refresco Beverages US Inc., based in Tampa, Florida, initiated the recall. The company did not immediately respond to USA TODAY Network’s request for comment.
Until when is it best to store the juice?
Great Value apple juice is best consumed by the date specified in the recall (December 28, 2024).
Emily Barnes is the New York State team’s consumer protection reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Contact us at [email protected].
