Walmart and a Dutch manufacturer are initiating a recall of apple juice sold underneath the Walmart brand, “Great Value”. This is due to elevated levels of arsenic in the product. Walmart has recalled almost 10,000 cases of apple juice sold in locations nationwide. This is due to concerns that they contain potentially dangerous levels of inorganic arsenic.
Official Notice
According to a notice updated earlier this month from the Food and Drug Administration, the recalled products were distributed in East Coast states, southern states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The product was packaged in 8-ounce, 6-pack plastic bottles. On Friday, the FDA reclassified the recall to a more urgent level, updating its initial announcement from August 15. The new classification notes that while the contaminated product could possibly cause temporary health issues, it is not expected to lead to serious or long-term medical problems.
According to the FDA, inorganic arsenic is typically linked to contaminated drinking water. However, unlike with the ingestion of organically occuring arsenic, which is usually found at low levels, the consumption and or exposure to unnatural arsenic can lead to different forms of cancer as well as birth defects in children.
What States Does The Apple Juice Recall Affect?
The apple juice recall affects the following states: Connecticut, Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The other states include Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia, as well as Puerto Rico.
Those who reside in any of these U.S. states should proceed with caution if they are in possession of the recalled product. If the “best by” date is by December 28th, 2014 it is recommended to safely dispose of the product.
Written by Jaliyah Triplett
Sources:
CNN: Walmart recalls Great Value apple juice sold in 25 states due to elevated arsenic levels
NBC News: Walmart issues recall of apple juice sold in 25 states over elevated arsenic levels
Forbes: Walmart Recalls Almost 10,000 Cases Of Arsenic-Tainted Apple Juice—Here’s What To Know
Featured Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Google Images- Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of PIXNIO Google Images- Creative Commons License
