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Apple juice recall expanded over arsenic concerns

By Megan Ziegler
Published  September 10, 2024 11:03am EDT
Recalls
FOX TV Stations
article

FILE - Apple juice being poured into a glass sitting on a table in front of apples. Getty Images

The Brief

    • A recall of apple juice in the U.S. has been expanded from 9,500 cases to 133,500 cases. 
    • The juice was sold under various brand names at stores across the country. 
    • The juices were recalled over an elevated level of inorganic arsenic, which is found naturally in some apple products due to the growing environment.

An apple juice recall has been expanded in the U.S. over concerns of an elevated level of inorganic arsenic. 

The initial recall was issued last month to include more than 9,500 cases of apple juice that were sold at Walmart stores across the country. 

The recall was updated this week to include 133,500 cases that include more brands at more stores. 

The included brands include: 

  • Great Value 8oz Apple Juice in 6pack. BEST If used by: DEC 2624 CT89-6; Best if used by: DEC 2724 CT89-6
  • Great Value 96oz Apple Juice. Best if used by DEC 2624 CT89-5; Best if used by DEC 2724 CT89-5; Best if used by DEC 2824 CT89-5
  • Market Basket 100% apple juice; 64 oz. code 032525 CT89-1
  • Nice! 100% apple juice; 64 oz. code: Best By Mar 25 25 CT89-1
  • Weis 100% apple juice; 64 oz. code: Sell By 032525 CT89-1
  • Urban Meadow 100% apple juice; 64 oz. code: Best By 032625 CT89-1
  • Nature's Nectar 100% apple juice; 64 oz. Best By Mar26 2025 CT89-4 AND Best By Mar27 2025 CT89-4
  • Wellsley Farms 100% apple juice; 96 oz. code: Use By 032625 CT89-5 
  • Solevita 100% apple juice; 64 oz. code: Best By 03272025 CT89-4
  • Clover Valley 100% apple juice; 64 oz. Best By 03/27/2025 CT89-4

The various brands were shipped to various states across the country. FOX Television Stations has reached out to Refresco Beverages for a full list of stores where the brands are sold. 

The recall was issued voluntarily by Refresco Beverages. 

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Why is arsenic in apple juice?

Arsenic is a naturally occurring mineral that is toxic to humans.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, arsenic may be present in apples because it is in the environment where apples are grown, raised or processed. 

Arsenic in the soil, air and water may occur naturally or may be present due to human activity, such as from the past use of pesticides or pollution.

In June 2023, the FDA updated industry guidelines that apple juice cannot contain inorganic arsenic at levels more than 10 parts per billion (ppb). 

The Refresco apple juice recall was initially issued because the juices were found to have arsenic levels of 13.2 parts per billion, FOX Business reported. 

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Arsenic side effects

Exposure to inorganic arsenic is associated with adverse human health effects, including cancer, diabetes, adverse birth outcomes, and cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental effects, according to the FDA. 

The FDA says it is not possible to entirely remove arsenic from the environment or from the food supply. 

The Source 

  • Information in this article was taken from two FDA sources: the FDA notice of the apple juice recall, and a June 1, 2023, FDA update on its industry guidelines for inorganic arsenic in apple juice. This story was reported from Detroit. 

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