The health risks of inorganic arsenic at this level are not immediate. But over time, exposure to even small amounts of arsenic may lead to lower IQ and other neurological problems in children. In adults, this heavy metal may raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
The juice was sold in Walmart stores in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
Kelly Hellbusch, a Walmart spokesperson, told CR that the retailer has removed the product from stores in the recalled states and that it’s working with the supplier to investigate.
And a spokesperson from Refresco Beverages, which supplies the juice to Walmart, said the company is addressing the situation, and noted that there are no reports of illness or consumer complaints. Neither company responded to questions about how the elevated arsenic level was detected.
If you have this juice, throw it away or return it to the Walmart where you purchased it for a refund, says Hellbusch.
