Walmart has initiated a recall of nearly 10,000 cases of its Great Value brand apple juice due to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic, a potentially harmful substance. This recall affects products sold in 25 states across the United States, including regions like the East Coast and the South, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The affected apple juice was packaged in 8-ounce bottles sold in six-packs.
The decision to recall was made after it was discovered that the juice contained arsenic levels slightly above the safety threshold set by the FDA, which is 10 parts per billion. The specific level found in the recalled juice was around 13.2 parts per billion, classifying it as an adulterated beverage under current regulations. Despite this, the FDA categorized the recall as Class II, indicating that while the product might cause temporary or medically reversible health issues, the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is considered remote.
In response to this situation, Walmart has taken steps to remove the affected products from its shelves and is collaborating with the supplier, Refresco Beverages US Inc., to investigate further. Consumers who have purchased the recalled apple juice are advised to return it to Walmart for a refund or dispose of it without consuming, identified by the UPC code 0-78742-29655-5 and a best-by date of December 28, 2024.
This recall highlights ongoing concerns about arsenic in food products, particularly in apple juice, where despite natural occurrences, regulatory bodies aim to minimize consumer exposure to inorganic arsenic due to its known health risks, including potential carcinogenic effects with long-term exposure. The FDA, alongside Walmart, emphasizes consumer safety as a priority, urging vigilance but also reassuring that the immediate health risks from this particular recall are not expected to be severe.
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