Great Value Apple Juice recalled over high levels of arsenic

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is recalling 9,500 cases of Great Value; 8oz Apple Juice sold in packs of six because the product contains inorganic arsenic above the action level set in industry guidance. According to the details posted online by the Food and Drugs Administration, the recalled apple juice contains 13.2 parts per billion (ppb) of inorganic arsenic, which exceeds the FDA limit of 10 ppb.

The recall was initiated on Aug. 15, 2024, and is ongoing.

The recalled product was distributed to retail locations in Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, 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.

About arsenic

According to the Food and Drugs Administration, arsenic is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. The potential for long-term adverse health effects from consuming food contaminated with arsenic vary depending on the level of arsenic in the food; age of the consumer; length, amount, and frequency of exposure to arsenic in the food; and other exposures happening at the same time—either to arsenic from other sources, or other contaminants or to beneficial nutrients.

Short-term exposure to very high amounts of inorganic arsenic can result in nausea, vomiting, bruising, and numbness or burning sensations in the hands and feet.

Current research indicates that inorganic arsenic is more dangerous than organic arsenic and the health effects from exposure are more severe. Organic arsenic compounds contain arsenic with carbon, and are not related to organic farming practices.

Exposure to high levels of arsenic during times of active brain development is associated with adverse neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ. Fetuses, infants, and children are particularly vulnerable to the potential harmful effects from arsenic exposure because of their smaller body sizes and rapid metabolism and growth.

For adults, long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic has been associated with skin disorders and increased risks for skin, bladder, and lung cancers, and for cardiovascular disease. For people of all ages, short-term exposure to very high amounts of inorganic arsenic can result in nausea, vomiting, bruising, and numbness or burning sensations in the hands and feet.

Recalled product:

Great Value; 8oz Apple Juice in 6 pack; 100% Juice

• Packaged in 8 oz. PET plastic bottles 
• UPC 0-78742-29655-5
• Product Quantity: 9535 cases
• Code Information: Best if Used by DEC2824 CT89-6

Consumers should not use this product. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to their place of purchase.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)