Walmart has announced a major recall affecting about 10,000 cases of its Great Value brand. Apple juiceMoves stemming from potential concerns pollution Contains inorganic arsenic.
The measures were initially announced on Aug. 15 but were strengthened by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday, reflecting growing concerns about the safety of the products.
The recall affects 9,535 cases of apple juice, including six-packs of 8-ounce (227-gram) bottles, distributed in 25 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The recall was initiated by Florida-based manufacturer Refresco Beverages US Inc, which voluntarily removed the product from shelves after finding arsenic levels that exceeded industry safety standards.
Inorganic arsenic is a chemical that is more toxic than naturally occurring arsenic and has raised alarm among health officials due to its potential adverse health effects. While the FDA's latest recall classification states that the levels of inorganic arsenic detected are unlikely to cause serious or irreversible health problems, the agency stresses that such contamination may cause temporary symptoms, including vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, numbness and muscle spasms.
The National Institutes of Health notes that regular testing for arsenic in food is important because even slightly elevated concentrations of inorganic or organic arsenic can pose health risks.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies inorganic arsenic as a carcinogen, which means that long-term exposure can cause cancer.
Despite these concerns, the FDA has not reported any cases of illness directly linked to the recalled apple juice, and the agency's current guidance suggests that while contamination is significant, the risk of serious health effects is low.
The measures were initially announced on Aug. 15 but were strengthened by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday, reflecting growing concerns about the safety of the products.
The recall affects 9,535 cases of apple juice, including six-packs of 8-ounce (227-gram) bottles, distributed in 25 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The recall was initiated by Florida-based manufacturer Refresco Beverages US Inc, which voluntarily removed the product from shelves after finding arsenic levels that exceeded industry safety standards.
Inorganic arsenic is a chemical that is more toxic than naturally occurring arsenic and has raised alarm among health officials due to its potential adverse health effects. While the FDA's latest recall classification states that the levels of inorganic arsenic detected are unlikely to cause serious or irreversible health problems, the agency stresses that such contamination may cause temporary symptoms, including vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, numbness and muscle spasms.
The National Institutes of Health notes that regular testing for arsenic in food is important because even slightly elevated concentrations of inorganic or organic arsenic can pose health risks.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies inorganic arsenic as a carcinogen, which means that long-term exposure can cause cancer.
Despite these concerns, the FDA has not reported any cases of illness directly linked to the recalled apple juice, and the agency's current guidance suggests that while contamination is significant, the risk of serious health effects is low.