Walmart is recalling its own brand of apple juice after it was found to contain higher than normal levels of arsenic.
Approximately 10,000 bottles of Great Value apple juice were voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer after receiving notice from the FDA. The 9,535 bottles in question were sent to 25 states, including Illinois and Michigan.
The juice is made by Florida-based Refresco Beverages US Inc., according to the Associated Press.
“Consumer safety and customer satisfaction are our top priorities,” the company told NBC News. “We are working diligently to address this situation.”
“The health and safety of our customers is always our top priority. We have removed this product from affected stores and are working with our supplier to investigate,” Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman said in a media statement.
The notice describes the product as “Great Value, 6 Pack of 8 Ounce Apple Juice, 100% Juice, in 8 Ounce PET Plastic Bottles, UPC 0-78742-29655-5.” The product has a Best By date of DEC2824 CT89-6 (December 28, 2024).
The reason for the recall is “inorganic arsenic exceeding the limits set by industry guidelines.” According to the World Health Organization, inorganic arsenic is found in large amounts in contaminated water and soil, and its health effects are numerous, including the development of certain types of cancer, disability and memory loss, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.