The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified a recall of more than 44,000 cans of Great Value Fruit Cocktail in Fruit Juice from Concentrate, sold at Walmart. The product may contain elevated levels of lead, and shoppers who bought the affected lot should check their pantry before eating it.
What triggered the recall
Pacific Coast Producers, the manufacturer, started the recall on October 1. The FDA classified it on Tuesday, October 20, as a Class II recall. The agency uses that category for situations where a product "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences." The notice does not describe how the lead got into the fruit cocktail, so the cause remains unexplained in the material available.
The affected cans are 15-ounce containers of Great Value Fruit Cocktail in Fruit Juice from Concentrate. They reached stores in seven states: Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wyoming. The recall covers about 1,800 cases.
How to check your cans
The recall applies to a single lot. Look at the bottom or side of each can for these three details:
- Lot: 6FCB 04 C2263
- UPC: 078742369570
- Best if used by: SEP 01 2027
Other lots of Great Value Fruit Cocktail and other Great Value products are not included in this action, according to the notice. Matching all three details is the surest way to identify a recalled can. If a can's codes differ, the notice does not indicate it is affected.
What to do if you have a recalled can
The FDA advises against eating the product. The agency states that "there is no known safe level of exposure to lead," which is the reason it monitors and regulates lead in foods. A can that looks and smells normal may still contain lead, so appearance is not a reliable guide. Throw the can away rather than opening and eating its contents.
The notice does not say whether a receipt is required for a refund or whether refunds are guaranteed. If you want your money back, contact the store where you bought the product or check for further instructions from the manufacturer or retailer. Because the recall is listed as ongoing, updates may follow.
Why checking matters
Canned fruit is a common pantry item, and many households keep several cans on hand. Taking a minute to compare the lot number, UPC and best-by date can prevent accidental consumption, especially for children, who may eat fruit cocktail directly from the can. Recall alerts are most useful when people check them against the exact codes printed on their products rather than relying on a brand name alone.