USA – US retail giant Walmart has issued a voluntary recall of nearly 10,000 cases of its Great Value brand apple juice due to concerns over high levels of inorganic arsenic.
The recall, announced on August 15 2024, affects approximately 9,535 cases of 8oz Great Value apple juice sold in six-packs.
The recall was prompted by an investigation that revealed the product contained inorganic arsenic levels exceeding industry guidance action levels.
On August 23, the recall was upgraded to Class II, which indicates that while the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, the likelihood of serious health consequences is remote.
The recall specifically targets Great Value apple juice packs marked with a ‘Best if Used by’ date of December 28, 2024, and bearing the code CT89-6.
The affected juice was distributed across nearly 30 states and regions in the US, including Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and New York, among others.
According to research, arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can be found in some apple and fruit juices due to environmental and manmade sources like volcanic eruptions, arsenic-containing rocks, and pesticides.
Inorganic arsenic, the type found in the recalled juice, is particularly toxic and has been identified as a human carcinogen by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Short-term exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and numbness, while long-term exposure is associated with serious health issues including skin disorders, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases.
As of now, the FDA has not reported any illnesses related to this recall and has not issued specific recommendations for affected Walmart customers.
In response to the situation, Walmart has removed the recalled product from its stores and is collaborating with the supplier, Refresco Beverages US, to investigate the matter further.
In addition to managing the recall, Walmart has been advancing its business operations through several initiatives.
Earlier this year, the retailer introduced training programs for in-demand retail roles, including positions in IT, HVAC, and optometry.
The first group of trainees consists of 100 warehouse and store associates in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with the potential to earn between US$19 and US$45 per hour, above the company’s minimum wage of US$17.
Walmart is also expanding its logistics capabilities with the construction of five new high-tech distribution centers.
These facilities, located in South Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey, and other states, are designed to improve the efficiency of perishable goods distribution across Walmart’s 4,600 stores.
This move follows the successful implementation of a similar distribution center in Shafter, California, aimed at enhancing supply chain operations.
