The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of approximately 141,298 cases of apple juice due to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic. This figure is a significant increase from the initial recall of 9,535 cases in August. The recall was issued by Refresco Beverages US Inc. and has been classified as a Class II recall.
Recalls are categorized based on the severity of potential adverse effects if the product remains on the market. A Class II recall is issued when there is a low likelihood of the product causing serious injury or death, but there is still a risk of adverse events that could have irreversible consequences, according to the FDA.
The apple juice cases in question were distributed to stores across the country. The affected brands were sold at several major retailers, including Walmart, Weis, Aldi, Walgreens, Market Basket, BJ’s, Dollar General, Lidl US, and Brooklyn Fare.
The FDA has stated that arsenic can be present in food due to the environment in which it is grown, raised, or processed. It is impossible to completely prevent arsenic from entering the food supply. However, the FDA monitors and regulates levels of arsenic in foods due to the potential health risks associated with exposure to high levels of the substance.
Exposure to high levels of arsenic during periods of active brain development can lead to adverse neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties, and lowered IQ. The FDA has noted that fetuses, infants, and children are particularly vulnerable to the potential harmful effects of arsenic exposure due to their smaller body sizes and rapid metabolism and growth.
The recalled brands and their shipping locations include Great Value, Market Basket, Nice!, Weis, Urban Meadow, Nature’s Nectar, Wellsley Farms, Solevita, Clover Valley, and Tropical Delight. These brands were shipped to various states including Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maine, New York, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Puerto Rico.