Walmart recalls apple juice nationwide over arsenic concerns
Walmart has issued a recall of more than 9,500 cases of its ‘Great Value’ brand apple juice. The recall is due to concerns that the product may contain elevated levels of inorganic arsenic. Arsenic is a toxic element that can pose serious health risks. The recall affects six-pack 8oz PET plastic bottles. It was initiated on August 15, 2024. Later it was classified as a ‘Class II’ recall by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday.
Details of the Recall
The affected apple juice bottles have a ‘best if used by’ date of December 28, 2024. In addition, the affected apple juice bottles carry the UPC code 0-78742-29655-5. The recall spans multiple states across the U.S.. The states dealing with the recall are Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Why the Recall Was Issued
The FDA identified that the recalled juices contained arsenic levels of 13.2 parts per billion (ppb). Thus, surpassing the agency’s established limit of 10 ppb for inorganic arsenic in apple juice. This limit was set by the FDA last year to minimize potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to arsenic, especially in vulnerable populations like children.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the Earth’s crust. However, its inorganic form is toxic to humans. Long-term exposure to arsenic can lead to serious health conditions, including skin lesions, various forms of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) also warns that children exposed to arsenic may experience negative impacts on cognitive development. Also, in severe cases, it can lead to death in young adults.
Health Risks of Arsenic Exposure
According to the FDA, short-term exposure to arsenic can cause a range of symptoms in adults. The range of symptoms include nausea, vomiting, numbness or burning sensations in the hands and feet, and bruising. While long-term exposure has more severe health consequences, even brief contact with elevated levels of arsenic is cause for concern.
At this time, it is unclear whether any injuries or health issues have been reported in connection to the recalled apple juice. Walmart has not released specific recommendations for consumers who may have purchased the affected product.
What to Do if You Have Purchased the Recalled Apple Juice
Consumers who have purchased the recalled ‘Great Value’ brand apple juice are advised to check the product’s packaging for the ‘best if used by’ date of December 28, 2024. In addition, they are advised to check for the UPC code 0-78742-29655-5. If you find that you have this product in your possession, it is recommended that you stop consuming the juice immediately and return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
The FDA encourages consumers to report any adverse reactions or quality problems they experience with the product. They are to make these reports through their MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. This can be done either online, by regular mail, or by fax.
The Impact of Arsenic in Food Products
Arsenic contamination in food products has been a growing concern in recent years. While it is naturally present in the environment, human activities such as mining, industrial use, and improper waste disposal can increase arsenic levels in the soil and water. Thus, leading to contamination of crops and food products.
Inorganic arsenic is particularly dangerous because it is more toxic than the organic form found in some seafood. The FDA has been actively working to monitor and regulate the levels of inorganic arsenic in foods. They have especially been working to monitor the levels of arsenic in those foods commonly consumed by children, such as apple juice and rice products.
The agency’s efforts include ongoing research, collaboration with other health organizations, and the establishment of stricter limits on arsenic levels in food. The recall of Walmart’s apple juice shows the importance of these measures in protecting public health.
Conclusion
The recall of Walmart’s ‘Great Value’ apple juice is a key reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in food safety. As a result, consumers are urged to stay informed about product recalls. In addition, customers are urged to take immediate action when necessary to protect their health and that of their families. The FDA will continue to monitor and regulate harmful substances like inorganic arsenic in food products. So, it is crucial for retailers and manufacturers to ensure that their products meet safety standards to avoid potential health risks.
Source: Dailymail
