The initial recall, involving Great Value apple juice from Walmart, has now expanded to include popular apple juice products from several other retailers.
According to an updated U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Enforcement Report, its initial voluntary recall of 9,535 cases of Walmart's Great Value apple juice due to elevated arsenic levels has expanded to a total of 141,298 cases of apple juice sold by Walgreens, Aldi, Dollar General, and more.
The products were flagged because they contain "inorganic arsenic above action level set in guidance to industry," the FDA said.
The recalled apple juice products are manufactured by Refresco Beverages, Inc. and sold under several brand names, including Great Value, Nice!, and Market Basket.
In a September 9 updated company statement, Refresco said it recalled the juice out of an abundance of caution when the company became aware that a previously manufactured product contained inorganic arsenic at levels slightly above the FDA's action level of 10 parts per billion (ppb) set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The complete list of recalled Apple Juice products and regions impacted include:
- Great Value (8oz): IN, OH, PA, ME, NY, FL, AL, GA, VA, KY, SC
- Great Value (96 oz): PR, IN, PA, OH, VA, ME, NY, VA
- Market Basket 100% apple juice: ME
- Nice! 100% apple juice: GA, OH, PA, WI, FL
- Weis 100% apple juice: PA, MD
- Urban Meadow 100% apple juice: PA
- Nature's Nectar 100% apple juice: NY, WI, OH, PA, IN, FL, GA, SC
- Wellsley Farms 100% apple juice: FL, NJ, MA
- Solevita 100% apple juice: VA
- Clover Valley 100% apple juice: SC, GA, OH, KY, FL, IN, NY
- Tropical Delight: NY
Refresco notes that there have been no reported incidents or adverse health events related to the products. However, the company said customers should check the full FDA recall list to determine whether they possess apple juice involved in the recall.
How arsenic gets into food
Arsenic is a naturally occurring, toxic mineral found in the environment. Experts consider inorganic arsenic more of a threat to health than organic arsenic.
Food can acquire arsenic through the environment in which it's grown or processed. For example, produce harvested from an area where arsenic-containing pesticides were once used or are currently used can contain the toxic mineral at varying levels. It can also enter the food during processing through contaminated water or equipment.
The health effects of arsenic vary depending on the level of contamination. According to the FDA, exposure to high levels of arsenic can cause nausea, vomiting, numbness in the hands or feet, and bruising.
In children, exposure to high levels of the mineral is linked to learning disabilities, lower IQ, and behavioral challenges.
In adults, long-term inorganic arsenic exposure is associated with an increased risk of bladder, skin, and lung cancer, as well as heart disease.
Due to these potential health effects, the FDA routinely tests food, dietary supplements, and cosmetics for arsenic to ensure consumer safety and will take regulatory action if it finds unsafe levels.
Recently, the Agency recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches due to lead contamination. As of March 2024, 200 reports of adverse events potentially related to the products were reported, including reports of children hospitalized for elevated lead levels in the blood.
4 resources
- Refresco Beverages, Inc. Apple juice voluntary recall.
- FDA. Enforcement report.
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. What are the standards and regulation for arsenic exposure?
- FDA. Arsenic in food.
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