Walmart Hit with Class Action Lawsuit Over Arsenic in Apple Juice

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit has been filed against Walmart, alleging that they sold apple juice contaminated with arsenic. The plaintiff claims Walmart failed to warn consumers.

Consumers Affected: Individuals who purchased recalled Great Value apple juice.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, Fayetteville Division

Walmart is now dealing with a class action lawsuit after recalling its Great Value apple juice due to unsafe levels of inorganic arsenic. The recall, which started in August 2024, affected nearly 10,000 cases of apple juice sold in 25 states. The lawsuit, filed shortly after, claims the juice contained arsenic levels above what the FDA considers safe, putting consumers at risk.

Lawsuit Accuses Walmart Of Failing To Warn Customers About Health Risks

Plaintiff Gary McLean of North Carolina filed the lawsuit which focuses on Walmart’s Great Value apple juice, specifically the 8-ounce and 96-ounce bottles, which were found to have 13.2 parts per billion (ppb) of inorganic arsenic—exceeding the FDA’s 10 ppb limit. 

As a result, Walmart’s supplier, Refresco Beverages US, issued a recall. Other retailers, including Aldi and Walgreens, also pulled their products, following the discovery of the elevated arsenic levels.

Inorganic arsenic is a known carcinogen, and short-term exposure to high levels can cause nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues. Long-term exposure is linked to more serious health risks, such as certain cancers and heart problems. The lawsuit argues that Walmart sold a product that was unsafe for people to consume without informing customers about the risks.

“At the time of their purchases, Defendant didn’t notify Plaintiff, and similarly situated consumers, of the Product’s risk of containing inorganic arsenic exceeding the FDA’s standard allowed in apple juice through the product labels, instructions, ingredients list, other packaging, advertising, or in any other manner, in violation of the state and federal law,” the lawsuit contends.

Consumers Demand Compensation For Purchasing "Defective" Products

In the complaint, McLean says he purchased and drank the recalled juice, unaware of the arsenic levels. He, along with others affected, claims they bought a product that was either worthless or worth less than what they paid. McLean believes Walmart should have informed consumers about the contamination and insists he wouldn’t have purchased the juice if he had known.

Meanwhile, Walmart is also being sued by a California shopper who claims the company misled consumers with its "Great Value Brand Avocado Oil." This class action lawsuit alleges the product, advertised as pure avocado oil, contained other unidentified oils. He’s seeking to represent others in California who were similarly deceived.

Additionally, a Philadelphia consumer claims Walmart systemically overcharges at the register for items like Tyson chicken nuggets and baby clothes. This class action lawsuit alleges that the prices charged at checkout were higher than those listed on the product stickers.

In the Walmart apple juice class action lawsuit, McLean aims to represent a nationwide class of consumers who purchased 8-ounce Great Value brand apple juice bottles and/or the Great Value 100% Apple Juice, 96 fl oz. during the applicable statute of limitations. The lawsuit is seeking compensation for those who purchased the contaminated apple juice, accusing Walmart of negligence and failing to properly warn customers

Case Details

• Lawsuit: McLean v. Walmart, Inc.
• Case Number: 5:24-cv-05189
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, Fayetteville Division

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Jacob Dylan White and Russell Winburn (Taylor King Law)
• Paul J. Doolittle (Poulin Willey Anastopoulo LLC)

Have you purchased any of the recalled Great Value apple juice? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below.