Walmart Recalls Refresco Apple Juice Due To High Arsenic Levels

Walmart has recalled nearly 10,000 cases of apple juice sold in stores across the U.S. that were found to contain potentially harmful levels of inorganic arsenic, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Florida-based manufacturer Refresco Beverages US voluntarily recalled the contaminated six-packs of 8-ounce juice bottles after discovering levels of the chemical contaminant that exceeded industry standards. I Photo: Walmart

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the recall a more urgent classification on Friday after making its original announcement on August 15. The new classification indicated that the affected product may temporarily cause adverse health consequences but is unlikely to cause serious or irreversible medical issues.

The recall applies to 9,535 cases of Great Value brand apple juice sold in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.

Florida-based manufacturer Refresco Beverages US voluntarily recalled the contaminated six-packs of 8-ounce juice bottles after discovering levels of the chemical contaminant that exceeded industry standards.

Very low levels of inorganic and organic arsenic are found in many food products, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Testing is routine, as slightly elevated levels of either form can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, numbness, and muscle cramping.

Inorganic arsenic is more toxic to humans than the naturally occurring form of the mineral arsenic, and the health effects from exposure are more severe, according to the FDA.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has labeled inorganic arsenic a carcinogen, or a substance that causes cancer. A spokesperson for Refresco did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment on Sunday.