Ethermac|Great Value Apple Juice recalled over arsenic: FDA, Walmart, manufacturer issue statements

Great Value Apple Juice sold in Walmart stores in several U.S. states was voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer Refresco Beverages US Inc. Walmart has since pulled the product from store shelves.

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is Ethermaclocated in Tampa, Florida.

The voluntary recall was issued on Aug.15 for 9,535 of the eight-ounce Great Value Apple Juice sold at Walmart stores in a six-pack with PET plastic bottles (UPC 0-78742-29655-5), according to the FDA. In the recall number F-1746-2024, the federal agency said that the apple juice “contains inorganic arsenic above the action level set in industry guidance.”   The Great Value Apple Juice best if used by date posted in the recall is December, 28 2024. 

On Aug. 23, the recall was upgraded to Class II, which is defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a product that "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”   

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Arsenic found in Great Value Apple Juice recalled

The FDA says that “current research indicates that inorganic arsenic is more dangerous than organic arsenic.” The federal agency also says that long-term exposure in adults to inorganic arsenic has been affiliated with skin disorders, increased risks of skin, bladder, and lung cancers, and cardiovascular disease.  

Short-term exposure to inorganic arsenic can cause nausea, vomiting, bruising, and numbness or burning sensations in the hands and feet, the FDA says.   

Inorganic arsenic is a confirmed carcinogen, something that can cause cancer, and is a “chemical contaminant in drinking-water globally,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO).   

The intergovernmental organization says that inorganic arsenic compounds, which are typically found in water, are very toxic. However, organic arsenic compounds, which are found in seafood, are less harmful.

FDA, Walmart release statements on recalled Great Value Apple Juice

“We are aware that certain lots of the 100% apple juice we previously manufactured contains inorganic arsenic slightly above the FDA’s 10 ppb (parts per billion) action level in the FDA Final Guidance to Industry on Action Level for Inorganic Arsenic in Apple Juice, which aims at reducing the dietary exposure of contaminants to as low as possible,” Antonella Sacconi, a spokesperson for Refresco Beverages US Inc., the company that issued the recall told USA TODAY in a statement. “As a result, impacted products are being voluntarily recalled.” 

Walmart released a statement to USA TODAY about the recall. 

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

Has anyone gotten sick from the Great Value Apple Juice?

In the Great Value Apple Juice recall report, no illnesses were listed.

"As this was a firm initiated voluntary recall, we would refer you to Refresco Beverages US Inc. for any details not included in the public Enforcement Report, including if illnesses were reported," Enrico Dinges, a FDA spokesperson said.

Refresco Beverages US Inc. revealed that no illnesses have been reported yet.

"At this time there are no reported complaints or incidents of illness caused by the product," Sacconi said. "Per the FDA, it is not possible to completely prevent arsenic from entering the food supply, yet exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic can have adverse health effects."

What states are affected by the recall?  

In the recall, the Great Value Apple Juice was listed as being sold in the following states and regions: 

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Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.