Walmart is recalling almost 10,000 cases of its Great Value apple juice sold in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia after finding unsafe levels of inorganic arsenic, the company announced . The recall affects six-packs of 8-ounce bottles produced by Florida's Refresco Beverages US Inc., which were found to contain arsenic levels above safety limits.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a stronger warning about the apple juice, stating that while the chemical levels found are not likely to cause serious health problems, they could lead to short-term side effects.
The recall has been classified as a "Class II," which means consuming these products might cause temporary or reversible health issues but is unlikely to result in serious or permanent harm. Walmart has removed the affected juice from its shelves and is collaborating with the manufacturer to determine why the high arsenic levels went undetected.
Arsenic, particularly the inorganic type, is recognized as a carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. Exposure to even small amounts can cause health problems such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and muscle cramps, according to the National Institutes of Health.
This incident highlights serious issues surrounding food safety and the inadequacy of current measures to shield consumers from harmful contaminants. Despite Walmart's claims that customer safety is a top priority, this event underscores the need for stricter testing and quality control in the food production process.
However, the best way to avoid these risks is to reduce reliance on processed foods altogether and prioritize fresh, whole foods that are less likely to be contaminated with harmful substances.
SOURCE: