Walmart has issued a recall for nearly 10,000 cases of apple juice sold across the United States after tests revealed potentially harmful levels of inorganic arsenic.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) elevated the urgency of the recall on Friday, following its initial announcement on August 15. The updated classification indicates that while the contaminated product could cause temporary adverse health effects, it is unlikely to lead to serious or irreversible medical conditions.
The recall affects 9,535 cases of Great Value brand apple juice sold in 25 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The Florida-based manufacturer, Refresco Beverages US, voluntarily recalled the six-packs of 8-ounce juice bottles after discovering arsenic levels exceeding industry standards.
Refresco Beverages US did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Sunday.
"The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority," Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman said in a statement. "We have removed this product from our impacted stores and are working with the supplier to investigate."
Inorganic arsenic is more toxic than its naturally occurring counterpart and can lead to more severe health effects, according to the FDA. Although small amounts of both inorganic and organic arsenic are commonly found in various foods, elevated levels can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, numbness, and muscle cramping. The Environmental Protection Agency has classified inorganic arsenic as a carcinogen.
The FDA does not expect the levels found in the recalled apple juice to cause severe health consequences. So far, there have been no reports of illnesses related to the recalled product.
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