Oh Great, Walmart's "Great Value" Apple Juice Recalled for Arsenic—Because That's What We Needed Today

Because poisoning our kids one sip at a time wasn't on our 2023 bingo card.

Walmart, in their infinite wisdom, has issued a voluntary recall for over 9,500 bottles of their Great Value apple juice. Why, you ask? Oh, just a casual case of high levels of inorganic arsenic. No biggie, right?

Initially recalled on Aug. 15, the FDA—you know, the folks who are supposed to keep us safe—upgraded the recall on Aug. 23 to a Class II. That's right, a product that "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” Remote, but not impossible. Comforting.

This recall affected Walmart locations in 25 states. Yes, you read that right. Twenty-five.

Which bottles were affected? Check best-by date and lot code

Walmart recalled Great Value apple juice sold in eight-ounce PET plastic bottles as a six-pack. Here are the deets:

• UPC code: 0-78742-29655-5
• Best-by date: Dec. 28, 2024

What are the potential symptoms of exposure to inorganic arsenic?

Inorganic arsenic is a confirmed carcinogen. You know, the stuff that can cause cancer. No big deal. Many products have low levels of both inorganic and organic arsenic.

Levels found in the recalled apple juice bottles are low enough that the FDA does not expect them to cause such severe health consequences. Phew, what a relief.

Long-term exposure could lead to several symptoms:

• Skin disorders
• Increased risks of skin, bladder, and lung cancers
• Cardiovascular disease

Short-term exposure symptoms are less mild:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bruising
• Numbness or burning sensations in the hands and feet

Although levels exceeded "the action level set in industry guidance," levels are still low enough that the FDA does not expect severe impact. Because that's the bar we're setting these days.

Has anyone been impacted?

The FDA has not confirmed reports of illnesses associated with the apple juice recall. Yet.

See which states had Walmart stores with affected bottles

Stay safe out there, folks. And maybe stick to water for now.