The manufacturer Refresco Beverages US Inc. has voluntarily recalled Great Value Apple Juice that was available at Walmart locations in various states across the U.S. The product has been removed from the store shelves by Walmart as well.

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is based in Tampa, Florida.

This recall, which was announced on August 15, affects 9,535 eight-ounce bottles of Great Value Apple Juice sold in six-packs (UPC 0-78742-29655-5) at Walmart. According to the FDA, the apple juice “contains inorganic arsenic above the action level established in industry guidance.” The juice has a best-by date of December 28, 2024.

On August 23, the recall was upgraded to a Class II status, a category defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for products that “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is minimal.”

Inorganic Arsenic Detected in Recalled Great Value Apple Juice

According to the FDA, “current studies suggest that inorganic arsenic poses a greater risk than organic arsenic.” Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic in adults has been linked to skin problems, increased risks of certain cancers (such as skin, bladder, and lung cancers), as well as cardiovascular issues.

Short-term exposure to inorganic arsenic may result in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bruising, and tingling or burning sensations in the extremities, according to the FDA.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that inorganic arsenic is a known carcinogen, meaning it can lead to cancer, and it is also recognized as a “chemical contaminant found in drinking water worldwide.”

The WHO adds that while inorganic arsenic compounds in water can be very toxic, organic arsenic in seafood is generally less harmful.

Statements from FDA and Walmart Regarding the Recalled Apple Juice

“We acknowledge that certain batches of the 100% apple juice we produced contain inorganic arsenic levels slightly exceeding the FDA’s action level of 10 ppb (parts per billion) as outlined in the FDA’s Final Guidance for Inorganic Arsenic in Apple Juice. This guidance seeks to minimize dietary contamination,” stated Antonella Sacconi, a spokesperson for Refresco Beverages US Inc. in a statement to YSL News. “Consequently, we are voluntarily recalling the affected products.”

Walmart also issued a statement on the recall.

“The health and safety of our customers remain our highest priority,” Molly Blakeman, a spokesperson for Walmart remarked in a statement. “We have taken steps to remove this product from the affected stores and are collaborating with the supplier on an investigation.”

Have Any Illnesses Been Reported from the Great Value Apple Juice?

According to the recall report for Great Value Apple Juice, there have been no reported illnesses connected to the product.

“Since this is a voluntary recall initiated by the firm, we recommend contacting Refresco Beverages US Inc. for additional information that may not be mentioned in the public Enforcement Report, including any reports of illness,” said Enrico Dinges, an FDA spokesperson.

Refresco Beverages US Inc. confirmed that there have been no reported illnesses.

“Currently, there are no complaints or reports of illness due to this product,” Sacconi stated. “While it’s not entirely avoidable for arsenic to enter the food supply, high levels of inorganic arsenic can lead to negative health impacts.”