Walmart’s Great Value fruit cocktail is being recalled because it may be contaminated with elevated levels of lead. About 44,000 cans sold at Walmart stores in seven states are affected, so if you keep canned fruit in your pantry, now is the time to check the label.
The recall was started on Oct. 1 by Pacific Coast Producers, the California company that makes the fruit cocktail for Walmart. It covers 1,836 cases, with 24 cans in each case. On Oct. 20, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classified it as a Class II recall. That means eating the product could cause health problems that are temporary or can be reversed with medical treatment, but the FDA also says there is no safe level of lead.
The recalled product is Great Value Fruit Cocktail in Fruit Juice from Concentrate in the 15 ounce can. Here is how to tell if yours is part of the recall:
Lot code: 6FCB 04 C2263
UPC: 078742369570
Best if used by: SEP 01 2027
The cans were sent to Walmart stores in Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wyoming. No other lots of the fruit cocktail and no other Great Value products are part of this recall.
If you have a can that matches those codes, do not eat it. Throw it away or take it back to Walmart for a possible refund.
Lead is especially dangerous for young children. According to the FDA, exposure can affect their developing brains and lead to learning disabilities, behavior problems and a lower IQ. In adults, long term exposure can lead to kidney problems, high blood pressure and trouble with memory and thinking. If you or your child ate the recalled Great Value fruit cocktail and you are worried, talk to your doctor or pediatrician. You can also reach the FDA with questions at 1 888 INFO FDA (1 888 463 6332).
