Pacific Coast Producers has pulled 44,064 cans of Great Value Fruit Cocktail from Walmart shelves across seven states after federal inspectors discovered elevated lead levels in the product, raising urgent safety concerns for American families.
Contaminated Product Details
The recall affects 1,836 cases of Great Value Fruit Cocktail in Fruit Juice from Concentrate, with each case containing 24 fifteen-ounce cans. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration identified the contaminated products by UPC code 078742369570, lot code 6FCB 04 C2263, and a September 1, 2027 expiration date. Walmart locations in Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wyoming distributed the affected items.
A Walmart spokesperson confirmed the company’s response protocol. The retail giant immediately removed impacted products from store shelves, blocked sales at registers and online platforms, and coordinated with suppliers investigating the contamination source. The company emphasized that customer safety remains their highest priority when handling product recalls.
Federal Classification and Health Risks
Pacific Coast Producers initiated the recall on October 1, prompting the FDA to classify it as Class II on October 20. This classification indicates exposure to the contaminated fruit cocktail may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, though the probability of serious adverse effects remains remote. Lead exposure poses particular risks to children and pregnant women, affecting neurological development and overall health.
The FDA warned that elevated lead levels present genuine contamination concerns. Lead poisoning can accumulate over time through repeated exposure, making swift identification and removal of contaminated products essential for protecting public health. American families purchasing canned goods from Walmart during this period should immediately check their pantries for the affected lot numbers.
Growing Pattern of Retail Recalls
This recall follows Walmart’s recent removal of nearly 4.5 million Expert Grill brushes after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission identified safety hazards. Wire bristles from these brushes could break loose during cleaning, becoming lodged on grills or in food, creating serious health risks. The consecutive recalls highlight ongoing challenges retailers face maintaining product safety standards across diverse supply chains and manufacturing partners operating nationwide.
