Walmart recalls apple juice nationwide due to arsenic concerns
Walmart has issued a recall of more than 9,500 cases of its Great Value brand apple juice. The recall comes due to concerns that the product may contain elevated levels of inorganic arsenic. Arsenic is a toxic element that can pose serious health risks. The recall affects six-pack 8 oz PET plastic bottles. It was initiated on August 15, 2024. It was later classified as a “Class II” recall by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday.
Recall details
The affected apple juice bottles have a best before date of December 28, 2024. In addition, the affected apple juice bottles have the UPC code 0-78742-29655-5. The recall extends across several states in the US. The states affected by the recall are Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.
Why the recall occurred
The FDA found that the recalled juices contained arsenic levels of 13.2 parts per billion (ppb), exceeding the agency’s limit of 10 ppb for inorganic arsenic in apple juice. That limit was set by the FDA last year to minimize potential health risks associated with prolonged arsenic exposure, especially in vulnerable populations such as children.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the earth’s crust. However, its inorganic form is toxic to humans. Long-term exposure to arsenic can lead to serious health problems, including skin lesions, various types of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) also warns that children exposed to arsenic may experience negative effects on cognitive development. In severe cases, it can also cause death in young adults.
Health risks from arsenic exposure
According to the FDA, short-term exposure to arsenic can cause a range of symptoms in adults. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, numbness or burning in the hands and feet, and bruising. While long-term exposure has more serious health consequences, even brief exposure to elevated arsenic levels is of concern.
It is currently unclear if any injuries or health issues have been reported in connection with the recalled apple juice. Walmart has not issued any specific recommendations for consumers who may have purchased the affected product.
What to do if you bought the recalled apple juice?
Consumers who purchased the recalled Great Value brand apple juice are advised to check the product’s packaging for the best before date of December 28, 2024. Additionally, they are advised to look for the UPC code 0-78742-29655-5. If you discover that you have this product in your possession, it is recommended that you stop consuming the juice immediately and return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
The FDA encourages consumers to report any adverse reactions or quality problems they experience with the product. They must make these reports through their MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. This can be done either online, by mail, or by fax.
The effects of arsenic in food
Arsenic contamination of food has become an increasingly serious problem in recent years. Although it occurs naturally in the environment, human activities such as mining, industrial use and improper waste disposal can increase arsenic levels in soil and water, leading to contamination of crops and food.
Inorganic arsenic is particularly dangerous because it is more toxic than the organic form found in some seafood. The FDA is actively working to monitor and regulate the levels of inorganic arsenic in foods. It has particularly worked to monitor arsenic levels in foods commonly consumed by children, such as apple juice and rice products.
The agency’s efforts include ongoing research, collaboration with other health organizations, and setting stricter limits on arsenic levels in foods. Walmart’s apple juice recall shows how important these measures are to protecting public health.
Diploma
The recall of Walmart’s Great Value apple juice is an important reminder that food safety remains important, so consumers are urged to stay informed about product recalls. In addition, customers are encouraged to take immediate action when necessary to protect their health and that of their families. The FDA will continue to monitor and regulate harmful substances such as inorganic arsenic in food, so it is critical for retailers and manufacturers to ensure their products meet safety standards to avoid potential health risks.
Source: Dailymail
