Walmart Great Value Fruit Cocktail Recalled Over Potential Lead Contamination

How to identify the recalled cans

Pacific Coast Producers has recalled 1,836 cases, or 44,064 cans, of Great Value Fruit Cocktail in Fruit Juice from Concentrate because the product may contain elevated levels of lead. The FDA enforcement record identifies the product as a 15-ounce can bearing UPC 078742369570, lot code 6FCB 04 C2263 and a 'Best If Used By' date of Sept. 1, 2027. ^{[1] [2]}

The company initiated the voluntary recall on Oct. 1, and the Food and Drug Administration classified it as a Class II recall on Oct. 20. A Class II designation means use of or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, while the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is considered remote. ^{[1] [3]}

The FDA lists the action under recall number H-0167-2027 and describes its status as ongoing. The listing attributes the action to potential contamination with elevated lead levels; it does not state that the entire Great Value brand or Walmart's other canned-fruit products are affected. ^[1]

Distribution and consumer action

The recalled fruit cocktail was distributed to Walmart stores in Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wyoming. No other Great Value fruit-cocktail lots are identified in the enforcement record. Consumers should compare all three identifiers — UPC, lot code and best-by date — rather than relying only on the product name or package design. ^{[1] [2]}

Consumers who have an affected can should not eat its contents. Recall reporting advises discarding the product or returning it to the place of purchase. Anyone concerned about possible exposure should contact a health-care professional, particularly when the product may have been eaten by a child or during pregnancy. ^{[2] [3] [4]}

Why lead in food matters

Lead is toxic and can affect people of any age. The FDA says no safe level of lead exposure has been identified, and that the potential harm from contaminated food depends on the amount present, the consumer's age, how much and how often the food is eaten, and exposure from other sources. Young children are especially vulnerable because of their smaller bodies and rapid growth. ^[4]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention likewise says no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels have been linked to problems with learning, attention and development. The recall notice does not establish that every affected can contains lead or report illnesses; it identifies a defined production lot removed from commerce as a precaution while the recall remains ongoing. ^{[1] [5]}