Nearly 134,000 Cases of Apple Juice Recalled Across 25 States—Here's What We Know
The Walmart apple juice recall of last month is much more extensive than originally believed.
What started off as a recall affecting thousands of cases of Great Value-branded apple juice sold throughout more than two dozen states across the United States due to potentially high levels of inorganic arsenic has since been expanded to over a hundred thousand cases of juice marketed underneath several different brand names.
Juices sold at BJs, Market Basket, Walgreens and Weis Markets and manufactured by Florida-based manufacturer Refresco Beverages are now listed in the voluntary recall published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
In all, the following beverages are now known to be affected:
Great Value 8oz Apple Juice in 6pack; PET plastic bottle
Great Value 96oz Apple Juice; PET plastic bottle
Market Basket 100% apple juice; 64 oz; PET plastic bottle
Nice! 100% apple juice ; 64 oz; PET plastic bottle
Weis 100% apple juice; 64 oz; PET plastic bottle
Urban Meadow 100% apple juice; 64 oz; PET plastic bottle
Natures Nectar 100% apple juice; 64 oz; PET plastic bottle
Wellsley Farms 100% apple juice; 96 oz; PET plastic bottle
Solevita 100% apple juice; 64 oz; PET plastic bottle
Clover Valley 100% apple juice; 64 oz; PET plastic bottle
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Each of these products may contain "inorganic arsenic above action level set in guidance to industry," according to the FDA. It's not known what the recorded levels are in the new additions to the list, but the amount found in the Great Value apple juice that led to the original recall was 13.2 parts per billion (ppb) — 3.2 ppb higher than the FDA's recommendation of 10 ppb.
The health impacts of inorganic arsenic, which is naturally found in a variety of food products, depends on the level of exposure and the age of the person impacted, but, typically, short-term impacts of high exposure to inorganic arsenic can include nausea, vomiting, bruising and numb hands or feet, according to the FDA.
The FDA has not yet published guidance on what to do if you are in possession of one of the recalled products as they have not yet completed their "hazard assessment" on the products, but it's safe to say that you should not consume them. Presumably, you will be able to return the juice for a refund at your point of purchase.
Next: 167,000 Pounds of Frozen Chicken Recalled Due to Potential Metal Contamination