A canned fruit product sold at Walmart is under recall after federal regulators warned that it could contain elevated levels of lead, raising concerns for consumers in seven states.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently published an enforcement report detailing the voluntary recall, which was initiated by Pacific Coast Producers, a food manufacturer based in Lodi, California, that supplies retailers with canned fruit and tomatoes.

Although the recall began Oct. 1, public notice does not appear to have emerged until the FDA released its report nearly three weeks later. Fast Company said it contacted Walmart and Pacific Coast Producers for comment.

The Walmart Great Value fruit cocktail recall covers one canned fruit product sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand. The FDA cited “potential contamination with elevated levels of lead” as the reason for the action.

The agency classified the recall as Class II. Under the FDA’s definition, that category applies when exposure may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, while the likelihood of serious adverse consequences is considered remote.

Which Great Value Product Is Being Recalled?

The recall is limited to a specific 15-ounce can of Great Value Fruit Cocktail in Fruit Juice from Concentrate. The product was distributed to Walmart stores in seven states, meaning shoppers in those locations should check their pantries carefully.

The affected states are:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Louisiana
• New Mexico
• Pennsylvania
• Washington
• Wyoming

Consumers can use the following product details to determine whether a can is included in the recall:

• Product: Great Value Fruit Cocktail in Fruit Juice from Concentrate
• Net weight: 15 ounces (425 grams)
• UPC: 078742369570
• Lot number: 6FCB 04 C2263
• Best-if-used-by date: Sept. 1, 2027

According to the FDA’s enforcement report, the recall involves 1,836 cases, each containing 24 cans. Altogether, that amounts to 44,064 cans potentially affected by the recall.

While the FDA has categorized the incident as Class II, lead exposure remains a serious concern. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that high levels of lead can harm both adults and children, with possible effects ranging from short-term illness to damage that can interfere with development.

What Are the Health Risks of Lead Exposure?

Symptoms in Adults

The CDC says exposure to high levels of lead over a short period may trigger a range of symptoms. Some may resemble common digestive illnesses, making the potential source difficult to identify without considering the circumstances.

Reported symptoms can include:

• A metallic taste in the mouth
• Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dehydration, headaches, exhaustion, irritability and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Memory loss
• Pain or tingling in the hands or feet

Potential Effects on Children

Children face particular risks because lead can interfere with their developing bodies and brains. According to the CDC, adverse effects may include:

• Damage to the brain and nervous system
• Slowed growth and development
• Learning difficulties and behavioral problems
• Hearing and speech problems

These risks underscore why consumers should take a potential contamination warning seriously, even when a recalled product looks and smells normal.

What Should Consumers Do With the Recalled Fruit Cocktail?

The FDA’s enforcement report does not provide specific instructions for consumers who already have the affected Great Value fruit cocktail at home.

As a general precaution for recalled food products, consumers should not eat the affected cans. They should dispose of the product safely or return it to the store where it was purchased, rather than risk consuming potentially contaminated food.

Anyone checking their pantry should compare the can’s UPC, lot number and best-if-used-by date with the details listed above. Matching those identifiers is important because the recall applies to a specific product and lot, not every canned fruit item sold under the Great Value label.

For shoppers in the seven affected states, a routine pantry check could help prevent an unnecessary health risk. With tens of thousands of cans included in the recall, confirming the product details is a simple precaution worth taking.