SNS - Walmart is recalling Great Value apple juice eight-ounce bottles sold in six-packs and labeled as 100% Juice in 27 states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.
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FDA issued an official notice to the public on Aug. 20 following a voluntary recall by Refresco Beverages US, the bottlers of the juice. More than 9,500 cases of Great Value apple juice may have been contaminated due excessive levels of arsenic.
FDA guidelines require inorganic arsenic levels in apple juice to not exceed 10 ppb (parts per billion). The recalled Great Value apple juice levels exceed the approved limit by 3.2 ppb.
Five common symptoms of arsenic poisoning are:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are early signs of arsenic poisoning.
- Skin Changes: Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation), the appearance of small "corns" or warts on the palms, soles, and torso, and areas of skin thickening, particularly on the hands and feet.
- Neurological Effects: Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, particularly in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy), along with confusion and headaches.
- Cardiovascular Problems: Symptoms may include an irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and even shock in severe cases.
- Respiratory Issues: Difficulty breathing, cough, and throat irritation, particularly if arsenic has been inhaled.
Chronic arsenic poisoning can also lead to more severe complications, including cancer, liver disease, and kidney failure.
The UPC is 0-78742-29655-5, and the best-if-used-by date is DEC2824 CT89-6. If you have the recalled product at home, do not consume it. Return it immediately to the nearest Walmart retail location for a refund. If you consumed the recalled product and are concerned or have questions, contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
