Walmart Recalls Thousands of Apple Juice Cases Over Elevated Arsenic Levels

More than 9,500 cases of Great Value apple juice sold at Walmart stores nationwide have been recalled due to potentially harmful levels inorganic arsenic, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The recall involved eight-ounce plastic bottles sold in a six-pack.

Refresco Beverages US Inc., which manufactures the product, voluntarily initiated the recall because the apple juice was found to contain more inorganic arsenic than the “level set in industry guidance,” the FDA said.

Organic arsenic is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and food sources. Inorganic arsenic, meanwhile, can be more toxic than organic arsenic, and long-term exposure has been linked to cancer, skin lesions, and other health problems.

In 2023, the FDA finalized guidance for manufacturers that said apple juice should contain no more than ten parts per billion (ppb) of inorganic arsenic. The recalled products were found to have 13.2 ppb of inorganic arsenic.

The new apple juice recall has been classified by the FDA as Class II, meaning the chances of developing serious health problems after consuming the recalled product are remote. However, Class II products may still pose a threat, potentially causing “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.”

It's unclear whether any illnesses have been linked to the recalled products.

The universal product code (UPC) for the recalled products is 0-78742-29655-5. The affected products have a best-used-by date of December 28, 2024.

The products were distributed to Walmart stores in the following states:

In a statement to Health, a Walmart spokesperson said, “The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. We have removed this product from our impacted stores and are working with the supplier to investigate.'

Exposure to inorganic arsenic often happens when people consume contaminated food or water. Food crops irrigated with contaminated water, industrial processes, and tobacco use can also lead to inorganic arsenic exposure.

Immediate symptoms of arsenic poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rhythm, and a tingling feeling in the hands and feet.

A person experiencing long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic could develop chronic arsenic poisoning, which could lead to a persistent sore throat and constant digestive issues in addition to skin pigmentation issues and even cancer.

If you have any of the recalled products in your home, you should dispose of them. If you’ve already drank the apple juice, monitor yourself for abnormal symptoms and check in with a healthcare provider if you notice any symptoms.

The latest recall isn’t the only one involving arsenic-contaminated apple juice: Earlier this year, shoppers were warned that nearly 25,000 recalled cases of Martinelli’s apple juice could have contained unhealthy levels of arsenic.