The US Food and Drug Administration has announced a recall for apple juice being sold at chain retailers nationwide due to concerns about arsenic levels.
The recall posted on the FDA’s website is for certain bottles of Great Value, Nature’s Nectar, Wellesley Farms, Solevita, Clover Valley, Urban Meadow, Market Basket, and Weis apple juice.
The products were all manufactured by Refresco Beverages US and are sold at Walgreens, Walmart, BJ’s, Weis, and Aldi stores nationwide.
“The safety of consumers is always our top priority,” Refresco said in a statement. “On August 23, 2024, out of an abundance of caution, we voluntarily initiated a recall of some select lots of 100% apple juice products produced using supplier provided concentrate when we became aware that previously manufactured product contained inorganic arsenic slightly above the FDA’s 10 ppb (parts per billion) action level.”
So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall.
Arsenic, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a naturally occurring substance in the environment. However, when it is combined with other materials, it can create organic or inorganic forms.
While organic arsenic, often found in fish and shellfish, is less harmful to humans, inorganic arsenic, found in soil, sediments, and groundwater, can be.
Inorganic arsenic exposure can lead to irritation of the intestinal system, blood vessel damage, skin changes, and more.
Long-term exposure in children has been found to affect development and lead to lower IQ scores.
Those with questions about the recall are encouraged to visit the FDA’s recall site or call Refresco at 1-888-260-3776.