Refresco Beverages US Inc. of Tampa, FL, has expanded their 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 recalled apple juice was sold at Aldi, Walmart, Walgreens, BJ’s, Dollar General, Weis and other stores.
The recall was initiated on Aug. 26, 2024, and is ongoing.
About arsenic
According to the Food and Drugs 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 vary depending on the level of arsenic in the food; age of the consumer; length, amount, and frequency of exposure to arsenic in the food; and other exposures happening at the same time—either to arsenic from other sources, or other contaminants or to beneficial nutrients.
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.
Current research indicates that inorganic arsenic is more dangerous than organic arsenic and the health effects from exposure are more severe. 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, behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ. Fetuses, infants, and children are particularly vulnerable to the potential harmful effects from arsenic exposure because of their smaller body sizes and rapid metabolism and growth.
For adults, long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic has been associated with skin disorders and increased risks for skin, bladder, and lung cancers, and for cardiovascular disease. For people of all ages, 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.
Distribution pattern:
Great Value (8oz): Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maine, New York, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, Kentucky, South Carolina.
Great Value (96 oz): Puerto Rico, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Maine, New York, Virginia
Market Basket 100% apple juice: Maine
Nice! 100% apple juice: Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Florida
Weis 100% apple juice: Pennsylvania, Maryland
Urban Meadow 100% apple juice: Pennsylvania
Natures Nectar 100% apple juice: New York, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina
Wellsley Farms 100% apple juice: Florida, New Jersey, Massachusetts
Solevita 100% apple juice: Virginia
Clover Valley 100% apple juice: South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, Florida, Indiana, New York
Recalled products:
Great Value 8oz Apple Juice in 6pack; PET plastic bottle
Great Value 96oz Apple Juice; PET plastic bottle
Market Basket 100% apple juice; 64 oz; PET plastic bottle
Nice! 100% apple juice ; 64 oz; PET plastic bottle
Weis 100% apple juice; 64 oz; PET plastic bottle
Urban Meadow 100% apple juice; 64 oz; PET plastic bottle
Natures Nectar 100% apple juice; 64 oz; PET plastic bottle
Wellsley Farms 100% apple juice; 96 oz; PET plastic bottle
Solevita 100% apple juice; 64 oz; PET plastic bottle
Clover Valley 100% apple juice; 64 oz; PET plastic bottle
Code Information:
Great Value 8oz – BEST If used by: DEC 2624 CT89-6; Best if used by: DEC 2724 CT89-6
Great Value 96 oz: Best if used by DEC 2624 CT89-5; Best if used by DEC 2724 CT89-5; Best if used by DEC 2824 CT89-5
Market Basket 100% apple juice: code 032525 CT89-1
Nice! 100% apple juice code: Best By Mar 25 25 CT89-1
Weis 100% apple juice code: Sell By 032525 CT89-1
Urban Meadow 100% apple juice code: Best By 032625 CT89-1
Natures Nectar 100% apple juice codes: Best By Mar26 2025 CT89-4 AND Best By Mar27 2025 CT89-4
Wellsley Farms 100% apple juice code: Use By 032625 CT89-5
Solevita 100% apple juice code: Best By 03272025 CT89-4
Clover Valley 100% apple juice code: Best By 03/27/2025 CT89-4
Consumers should not use this product. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to their place of purchase.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)
