close
close

Walmart recalls apple juice due to elevated arsenic levels


Walmart recalls apple juice due to elevated arsenic levels

BAlmart has recalled nearly 10,000 cases of Great Value brand apple juice after they were found to contain potentially harmful levels of inorganic arsenic. The recall applies to products sold in 25 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration originally announced the recall on August 15, but raised the urgency level on Friday. The new classification, Class II, applies to recalled products that may have temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects but are unlikely to cause serious medical problems.

Both natural and inorganic arsenic is found in many foods, and it is not possible to prevent arsenic from entering the food supply, according to the FDA. Inorganic arsenic, found in drinking water, is highly toxic, while organic arsenic occurs naturally in foods such as shellfish and is considered less harmful.

The FDA regularly tests the arsenic levels in foods to ensure they are safe for consumption. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to elevated levels of arsenic can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic can lead to cancer.

“The health and safety of our customers is always our highest priority,” Kelly Hellbusch, senior manager of global governance communications at Walmart, said in a statement to TIME. “We have removed this product from our affected stores and are working with the supplier to investigate.”

No illnesses have been reported. The product’s manufacturer, Refresco Beverages US Inc., did not respond to TIME’s request for comment before publication.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *