Expanded recall encompasses Apple juice brands distributed at Aldi, Walgreens, and Weis retail outlets.
Certain containers of Great Value, Market Basket, Weis, Urban Meadow, Natures Nectar, Wellsley Farms, Solevita, and Clover Valley apple juice are covered by the recall, as stated by Refresco Beverages US and details published on the Food and Drug Administration's US site.
The juice was available for purchase at retailers like Walgreens, Walmart, BJ’s, Weis, and Aldi.
Refresco emphasized in a revised announcement on August 23, 2024, that consumer safety is their foremost concern. Out of caution, they voluntarily initiated the retrieval of specific batches of 100% apple juice produced using supplier-supplied concentrate after determining that earlier produced juice contained inorganic arsenic, albeit slightly exceeding the FDA's 10 ppb (parts per billion) action level.
Unfortunately, no health issues have been related to this recall. Those with further concerns can contact Refresco at 1-888-260-3776.
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Arsenic naturally exists in the environment and can bond with other elements to produce either organic or inorganic forms, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Organic arsenic compounds are predominantly present in fish and shellfish, with lesser human exposure risks.
On the other hand, inorganic compounds are found in soil, sediment, and groundwater. Exposure may lead to stomach or intestine irritation, damage to blood vessels, changes in skin, and decreased nerve function. Prolonged childhood exposure has also been linked to reduced IQ scores.
The FDA set the 10 ppb limit for inorganic arsenic in apple juice in June 2023 to minimize babies and young children's exposure to environmental contaminants through food. However, manufacturers were not obligated to adhere to this limit, and the agency stated at the time that they would consider this limit along with other pertinent factors when deciding on arsenic levels in foods.
CNN's Madeline Holcombe provided additional information for this report.
Despite no reported health issues related to the recall, it's crucial to remain vigilant about consumption. Consumers should be aware that prolonged exposure to inorganic arsenic, such as the type found in this recalled juice, can lead to stomach or intestine irritation, damage to blood vessels, changes in skin, and decreased nerve function.
