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Walmart recalls nearly 10,000 cases of apple juice due to elevated arsenic levels


Walmart recalls nearly 10,000 cases of apple juice due to elevated arsenic levels

Walmart has recalled nearly 10,000 cases of Great Value brand apple juice from the United States after tests revealed potentially harmful levels of inorganic arsenic.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) increased the urgency of the recall on Friday after it was announced on August 15. According to the FDA, while the contaminated juice may cause temporary health problems, it is unlikely to cause serious or long-term health problems.

The recall affects 9,535 cases of apple juice distributed in 25 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The product, sold in six-packs of 8-ounce bottles, was manufactured by Florida-based Refresco Beverages US Inc. The company voluntarily initiated the recall after it was found that arsenic levels exceeded industry standards.

“The health and safety of our customers is always our highest priority,” said Walmart spokeswoman Molly Blakeman. “We have removed this product from our stores and are actively working with the supplier to investigate the incident.”

Although small amounts of inorganic and organic arsenic are present in many foods, elevated levels can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, numbness, and muscle cramps. Inorganic arsenic, which is more toxic, has been classified as a carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The FDA assured that 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 recall.

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