By: Richard L. Smith
Walmart has initiated a recall of nearly 10,000 cases of its store-brand apple juice due to concerns over elevated levels of inorganic arsenic.
The recall, affecting stores in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, includes several New Jersey locations.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially announced the recall on August 15, with an update issued this past Friday.
According to The Associated Press, the recall now carries a more urgent classification, indicating that while the apple juice may cause temporary adverse health effects, it is not expected to lead to serious or irreversible medical issues.
The recall specifically targets 9,535 cases of Walmart's Great Value brand apple juice, packaged in six-packs of 8-ounce bottles.
Florida-based Refresco Beverages US Inc., the manufacturer responsible for the product, voluntarily recalled the juice after discovering that certain batches exceeded industry standards for inorganic arsenic.
According to the FDA, the levels of inorganic arsenic found in the juice are not expected to cause severe health consequences.
Additionally, there have been no reports of illnesses linked to the recalled product, according to the Associated Press.
Consumers who have purchased the affected apple juice are advised to return it to the store for a full refund.