New Jersey

By: Richard L. Smith

Walmart has initiated a recall of nearly 10,000 cases of its private-brand apple juice due to concerns about elevated levels of inorganic arsenic.

The recall affects stores in 25 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, including several locations in New Jersey.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally announced the recall on August 15 and released an update last Friday.

According to the Associated Press, the recall is now classified as more urgent. This means that while the apple juice may have temporary negative health effects, it is not expected to cause serious or permanent health damage.

The recall specifically affects 9,535 cases of Walmart’s Great Value brand apple juice, packaged in six-packs of 8-ounce bottles.

The manufacturer responsible for the product, Florida-based Refresco Beverages US Inc., voluntarily recalled the juice after certain batches were found to exceed industry standards for inorganic arsenic.

According to the FDA, the amounts of inorganic arsenic found in the juice are not expected to cause serious health consequences.

In addition, according to the Associated Press, there have been no reports of illnesses associated with the recalled product.

Consumers who have purchased the affected apple juice are advised to return it to the store and receive a full refund.