High value apple juice recalled due to high arsenic content

Refresco Beverages US Inc. recalls 9,500 high value boxes; 8oz apple juice is sold in packs of six because the product contains inorganic arsenic above the action level set by industry guidelines. According to data posted online by the Food and Drugs Administration, the recalled apple juice contains 13.2 parts per billion (ppb) of inorganic arsenic, which exceeds the FDA limit of 10 ppb.

The recall started on August 15, 2024 and is still ongoing.

The recalled product was distributed to retail locations in Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York , Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont and West Virginia.

About arsenic

According to the Food and Drug Administration, arsenic is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. The potential for long-term adverse health effects from consuming food contaminated with arsenic varies depending on the arsenic level in the food; age of the consumer; length, amount and frequency of exposure to arsenic in food; and other exposures that occur simultaneously – either to arsenic from other sources, or to other pollutants, or to beneficial nutrients.

Short-term exposure to very large amounts of inorganic arsenic can cause nausea, vomiting, bruising, and numbness or burning sensations in the hands and feet.

Current research shows that inorganic arsenic is more dangerous than organic arsenic and that the health effects of exposure are more serious. Organic arsenic compounds contain arsenic with carbon and are not related to organic farming practices.

Exposure to high levels of arsenic during times of active brain development is associated with adverse neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavioral problems and reduced IQ. Fetuses, infants and children are particularly vulnerable to the potential harmful effects of arsenic exposure due to their smaller body size and rapid metabolism and growth.

In adults, long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic has been linked to skin disorders and increased risks of skin, bladder and lung cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease. For people of all ages, short-term exposure to very large amounts of inorganic arsenic can cause nausea, vomiting, bruising, and numbness or burning sensations in the hands and feet.

Recalled product:

Great value; 8oz apple juice in 6-pack; 100% juice

• Packaged in 8 oz. PET plastic bottles
• UPC-0-78742-29655-5
• Product quantity: 9535 boxes
• Code information: Best when used by DEC2824 CT89-6

Consumers should not use this product. Recalled products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.

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