2024-09-10 02:35:02
Apple juice sold nationwide at Walmart, Walgreen’s, Aldi and more is being recalled due to the risk that it’s been contaminated with arsenic, a heavy metal that can cause a range of adverse health effects.
The recall affects 133,500 cases of products across all the brands. The products were produced by Refresco Beverages Inc. based in Tampa, Florida, and were sold in 26 states, according to a notice by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from Aug. 26. Refresco Beverages Inc. initiated the recall on Aug. 15.
The FDA had previously recalled just the Walmart Great Value brand apple juice, designating the recall as Class II, meaning exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. But the recall including the additional brands does not yet have a classification.
Apple juice recall 2024 full list
The apple juice recall affects products sold at Walmart, Walgreens, Aldi, Weis, Market Basket, BJ’s, Dollar General, Lidl US and Brooklyn Fare. They were sold in 26 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Here is a full list of the recalled products:
- Great Value 8oz Apple Juice in 6pack; Walmart; BEST If used by: DEC 2624 CT89-6; Best if used by: DEC 2724 CT89-6
- Great Value 96oz Apple Juice; Walmart; Best if used by DEC 2624 CT89-5; Best if used by DEC 2724 CT89-5; Best if used by DEC 2824 CT89-5
- Market Basket 100% apple juice 64 oz; Market Basket; code 032525 CT89-1
- Nice! 100% apple juice 64; Walgreens; Best By Mar 25 25 CT89-1
- Weis 100% apple juice 64 oz; Weis Markets; Sell By 032525 CT89-1
- Urban Meadow 100% apple juice 64 oz; Brooklyn Fare; Best By 032625 CT89-1
- Nature’s Nectar 100% apple juice 64 oz; Aldi; Best By Mar26 2025 CT89-4 AND Best By Mar27 2025 CT89-4
- Wellsley Farms 100% apple juice 96 oz; BJ’s and Walmart; Use By 032625 CT89-5
- Solevita 100% apple juice 64 oz; Lidl US; Best By 03272025 CT89-4
- Clover Valley 100% apple juice 64 oz; Dollar General; Best By 03/27/2025 CT89-4
“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman told NBC News in a statement. “We have removed this product from our impacted stores and are working with the supplier to investigate.”
Where has apple juice contaminated with arsenic been sold?
The products included in the ongoing apple juice recall due to Refresco Beverages were sold in:
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Puerto Rico
- District of Columbia
Why is there arsenic in apple juice?
Arsenic may be found in apple juice if it’s present in the fruit itself.
Small traces of arsenic may be in water and soil, and plants, such as apple trees, absorb it, according to the Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program. Many types of food contain small amounts of arsenic, such as dark chocolate, rice and seafood.
Arsenic exists naturally in soil, but it also was found in chemicals sprayed on orchards for many years. While these chemicals are no longer used, some arsenic from this process may still remain. Also, some human behaviors deposit arsenic in soil.
Another recall was recently issued over arsenic in apple juice: In May, S. Martinelli & Company, the maker of the popular Martinelli’s Gold Medal Apple Juice, recalled 24,519 cases for “elevated levels of inorganic arsenic.”
What is inorganic arsenic?
Inorganic arsenic, the type of arsenic involved in Walmart apple juice recall, is a toxic heavy metal. It is more toxic than organic arsenic and is a known carcinogen (meaning it can cause cancer), according to the World Health Organization.
Most foods that contain arsenic have the organic kind. But inorganic arsenic can make its way into the environment through building products, drinking water contaminated with arsenic and more.
Arsenic in apple juice symptoms
The apple juice contaminated with arsenic is unlikely to cause serious symptoms; however it may cause temporary or medically reversible symptoms.
According to WHO, short-term signs of arsenic poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Muscle cramping
Exposure to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic can be particularly dangerous for kids. It has been associated with learning disabilities, lowered IQ and behavior difficulties, according to the FDA.
