New Yorkers should check their refrigerators as apple juice sold in Walmart stores has been recalled for containing potentially harmful levels of arsenic.
A voluntary recall for almost 10,000 cases of the eight-ounce Great Value Apple Juice sold at Walmart stores in a six-pack with PET plastic bottles (UPC 0-78742-29655-5) has been issued, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . In the recall issued on Aug. 15, the federal agency said that the apple juice “contains inorganic arsenic above the action level set in industry guidance.”
The recall classification was upgraded Friday to Class II, which is defined by the FDA as a product that "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
In addition to New York, the affected juice was sold in 24 other states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, according to the FDA's recall notice.
"The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority," a Walmart representative said in a written statement Monday. "We have removed this product from our impacted stores and are working with the supplier to investigate."
Here's what to know.
What are the different FDA classification levels?
There are three classification levels — Class I, II and III — which indicate how harmful the recalled product is.
Class III is the least harmful as the product "is not likely to cause adverse health consequences," according to the FDA. Class II products "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote" and Class I products "will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
What is the difference between organic arsenic and inorganic arsenic?
Inorganic arsenic is a confirmed carcinogen, something that can cause cancer, and is a “chemical contaminant in drinking-water globally,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO) .
The intergovernmental organization says that inorganic arsenic compounds, which are typically found in water, are very toxic. However, organic arsenic compounds, which are found in seafood, are less harmful.
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Which company is associated with the Great Value Apple Juice recall?
According to the FDA report, Refresco Beverages US Inc., located in Tampa, FL, issued the recall.
"We are aware that certain lots of the 100% apple juice we previously manufactured contains inorganic arsenic slightly above the FDA’s 10 ppb (parts per billion) action level in the FDA Final Guidance to Industry on Action Level for Inorganic Arsenic in Apple Juice, which aims at reducing the dietary exposure of contaminants to as low as possible. As a result, impacted products are being voluntarily recalled," a Refresco representative said Monday.
"At this time there are no reported complaints or incidents of illness caused by the product. Per the FDA, it is not possible to completely prevent arsenic from entering the food supply, yet exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic can have adverse health effects. The safety of consumers and the satisfaction of our customers are our top priorities. We are working diligently to address the situation."
What is the best if used by date of the juice?
The Great Value Apple Juice best if used by date posted in the recall is December 28, 2024.
Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes . Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com .
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Apple juice sold at Walmart recalled over arsenic concerns
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