Walmart has issued a voluntary recall of Great Value Apple Juice sold in 25 states due to elevated levels of arsenic. The company was alerted to the issue after receiving test results that indicated the presence of arsenic above acceptable limits.
A reported 9,535 cases of the Great Value Apple Juice has been recalled since August 15th.
A statement released by the manufacturer, Refresco Beverages US Inc. says there have been no reported incidents: “At this time there are no reported complaints or incidents of illness caused by the product. Per the FDA, it is not possible to completely prevent arsenic from entering the food supply, yet exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic can have adverse health effects.”
Affected States:
- Alabama
- AConnecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Puerto Rico
- District of Columbia
Product Details:
- Brand: Great Value
- Product: Apple Juice
- Size: Various sizes
- UPC: [List of UPC codes]
Recall Reason:
- Elevated levels of arsenic
Consumer Action:
Consumers who have purchased Great Value Apple Juice from the affected states are advised to check the UPC code on the product. If the UPC matches any of the listed codes, consumers should discontinue use and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Health Concerns:
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can be found in soil and water. While exposure to low levels of arsenic is generally not harmful, long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic can have adverse health effects, including skin lesions, gastrointestinal problems, and increased risk of cancer.
Walmart is working closely with regulatory agencies to investigate the cause of the elevated arsenic levels and to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.