Nearly 10,000 cases of apple juice have been recalled at Walmart for containing elevated levels of arsenic. Refresco Beverages issued the voluntary recall on August 15, but the FDA recently increased the urgency of the classification.
The recall is on 9,535 cases of 8-ounce bottles of Great Value apple juice sold in six-packs. The product was found to contain 13.2 parts per billion (ppb) of arsenic, which is above the action level of 10 ppb. The product was available at Walmart stores in 25 states including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The recall now has a Class II classification from the FDA, which means that exposure may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman said in a statement reported by the Associated Press. She added that the product has been removed from stores and they are investigating with the supplier.
What Is Arsenic?
Arsenic, according to the National Institute of Environmental & Health Sciences, is an element found naturally in the environment, such as water, soil, and air. This can make its way to food. Both organic and inorganic arsenic is toxic to humans, although inorganic arsenic is deemed to be more dangerous. Exposure, according to the FDA, is associated with cancer, cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental effects, diabetes, and adverse birth outcomes. The FDA also says that fetuses and young children are more vulnerable due to their size and metabolism.
While the FDA says it's impossible to remove arsenic from the food supply, it regulates and monitors arsenic levels in some products.
