Walmart has recalled nearly 10,000 cases of apple juice after its supplier discovered that the product contained higher-than-accepted levels of arsenic, a toxic substance.
Refresco, which produces the “Great Value” brand 8-ounce apple juice bottles sold in Walmart, voluntarily recalled 9,535 cases of the product in 25 states across the country, the Associated Press reported.
A Food and Drug Administration Authority (FDA) notice said that the 8-ounce, six-pack cases of apple juice were to be recalled because the product “contains inorganic arsenic above action level set in industry guidance.”
The authority had issued a recall notice on August 15 but bumped the risk level to a more urgent Class II category on Friday. A Class II risk means that the product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.”
However, the risk category also states that there is a remote possibility of “serious adverse health consequences” from consuming the product.
Prolonged exposure to inorganic arsenic can cause skin disorders and could increase risks for skin, bladder, and lung cancers, as well as for cardiovascular disease, per the FDA.
“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman said in a statement to the AP. “We have removed this product from our impacted stores and are working with the supplier to investigate.”
In July, Wiers Farm of Ohio recalled products sold in some Walmart stores, like salad cucumbers, bell peppers, and green beans, due to potential Listeria contamination.
And in June, ice cream cakes from restaurant chain Friendly’s were pulled from Walmart’s shelves, also because of potential Listeria contamination.
Representatives for Refresco and Walmart did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular business hours.
