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Walmart, in collaboration with Dutch manufacturer Refresco, has voluntarily recalled its "Great Value" brand apple juice due to elevated levels of arsenic. The recall affects products sold in 25 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The products in question are 8-ounce sizes sold in 6-pack plastic bottles.
The Food and Drug Administration updated the recall status to Class II on Friday, indicating that the products may cause temporary or "medically reversible" adverse health consequences. However, the probability of serious adverse health consequences is considered remote.
The arsenic levels in the recalled products are slightly above the FDA's safe consumption limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb), with levels recorded at about 13 ppb.
"The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority," Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman said in a statement. "We have removed this product from our impacted stores and are working with the supplier to investigate."
Inorganic arsenic, which is the type found in the recalled apple juice, can usually be traced to contaminated drinking water, according to the FDA. Regular exposure to or consumption of inorganic arsenic can cause cancer and birth defects.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled apple juice. The product's manufacturer, Refresco Beverages US Inc., has not yet commented on the recall.