Walmart Recalls Nearly 10,000 Cases of Apple Juice Over Arsenic Concerns

Written with artificial intelligence assistance.

Walmart has issued a recall for nearly 10,000 cases of Great Value brand apple juice after it was found to contain potentially harmful levels of inorganic arsenic, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall, which affects 9,535 cases of six-packs of 8-ounce bottles, spans 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.

The FDA upgraded the recall's urgency on Friday, following an initial announcement on August 15. The new classification indicates that while the affected product may cause temporary adverse health effects, it is unlikely to result in serious or irreversible medical issues.

The recall involves apple juice produced by Florida-based Refresco Beverages US Inc., which voluntarily removed the contaminated products after discovering that arsenic levels exceeded industry standards. The company has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman emphasized the company’s commitment to customer safety, stating, “We have removed this product from our impacted stores and are working with the supplier to investigate.”

Photo byWalmart

The National Institutes of Health notes that while very low levels of inorganic and organic arsenic are common in food products, elevated levels can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, numbness, and muscle cramping. Inorganic arsenic is known to be more toxic and is classified as a carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The FDA has indicated that the arsenic levels in the recalled apple juice are low enough that severe health consequences are not expected. No reports of illnesses related to the recall have been shared by the FDA as of yet.