Miami, Florida – Walmart, in collaboration with a Dutch manufacturer, has issued a voluntary recall of apple juice sold under the “Great Value” brand due to elevated levels of arsenic. The Food and Drug Administration recently updated a notice on its website, revealing that the recalled products were distributed in various states on the East Coast and in the southern United States, as well as in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The apple juice was packaged in 8-ounce sizes and sold in 6-pack plastic bottles.
The FDA highlighted that the arsenic levels in the apple juice exceeded the deemed safe level of 10 parts per billion, measuring around 13 ppb. This prompted the agency to classify the recall as Class II, indicating that it could lead to temporary or “medically reversible” health issues, although the likelihood of serious consequences is low. Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman emphasized the company’s commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of its customers, confirming the removal of the product from affected stores as they work closely with the supplier to investigate the issue.
Refresco, the Dutch manufacturer, acknowledged that certain batches of their apple juice contained slightly elevated levels of inorganic arsenic according to FDA standards, prompting the voluntary recall. The company reassured consumers that no complaints or illnesses had been reported as a result of consuming the product. Refresco reiterated their dedication to consumer safety and customer satisfaction, emphasizing their ongoing efforts to address the situation promptly.
Inorganic arsenic is typically linked to contaminated drinking water, as highlighted by the FDA. Unlike naturally occurring arsenic found at low levels, regular exposure to or consumption of inorganic arsenic can lead to serious health risks, including the development of cancer and birth defects. The collaborative recall between Walmart and Refresco serves as a proactive measure to ensure the well-being of consumers and mitigate any potential health hazards associated with the elevated arsenic levels in the apple juice.
This recall underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures in the food and beverage industry to uphold consumer safety standards. Companies must remain vigilant in monitoring the ingredients and production processes to prevent contamination and protect the health of their customers. As investigations continue into the source of the elevated arsenic levels, both Walmart and Refresco are focused on implementing corrective actions to prevent similar incidents in the future and uphold their commitment to providing safe and high-quality products to consumers.