Walmart has recalled nearly 10,000 cases of apple juice from across the country after potentially harmful levels of inorganic arsenic were found. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration upgraded the recall to an urgent rating on Friday, after announcing it on Aug. 15. The new rating indicates that the product could cause temporary adverse health effects, though it is unlikely to cause serious or irreversible medical problems.
The recall affects 9,535 cases of Great Value brand apple juice distributed in 25 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Florida-based manufacturer Refresco Beverages US Inc. initiated the voluntary recall of the six-packs of 8-ounce juice bottles after finding that levels of inorganic arsenic exceeded industry standards.
Refresco did not respond to requests for comment. “The health and safety of our customers is always our highest priority,” said Walmart spokeswoman Molly Blakeman. “We have removed this product from our affected stores and are working with the supplier to investigate.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, both inorganic and organic arsenic occur naturally in many foods, with regular testing ensuring safe levels. Slightly elevated levels of arsenic can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, numbness, and muscle cramps. Inorganic arsenic is significantly more toxic to humans than its naturally occurring counterpart and is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a carcinogen, or cancer-causing substance.
According to the FDA, the levels of inorganic arsenic found in the recalled apple juice are not expected to cause serious health consequences. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the apple juice recall.
