Refresco Beverages is expanding its recall of Great Value Apple Juice to include 133,500 cases of multiple other brands, including Market Basket, Nature’s Nectar, Nice!, Solevita, Urban Meadow, Weis and Wellsley Farms.
The recall was initiated because the products contain inorganic arsenic above the action level set in guidance to industry.
The juice was sold at Aldi, Walmart, Walgreens, BJ’s, Dollar General, Weis and other stores.
Arsenic is a natural substance that is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. It occurs in the environment in tiny quantities but can become concentrated in soil and can inadvertently find its way into the food supply.
Short-term exposure to very high amounts of inorganic arsenic can result in nausea, vomiting, bruising, and numbness or burning sensations in the hands and feet. Long-term exposure can have more serious effects including skin disorders and increased risks for skin, bladder, and lung cancers, and for cardiovascular disease.
It is especially dangerous to fetuses, infants and small and is associated with adverse neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ.