Walmart canned fruit cocktail recalled in Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Washington sparks alarm over lead contamination: What to do if you have it at home

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled more than 44,000 cans of canned fruit sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand across the United States over concerns about possible lead contamination. The recall affects a specific variety of fruit cocktail sold in 15-ounce cans, according to local media outlets.

The recall was initiated by manufacturer Pacific Coast Producers on October 1, 2026, and the FDA classified it as a Class II recall on October 20. Consumers who regularly buy canned fruit are being urged to check their pantry for the affected product and avoid consuming it if the identifying details match.

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Why was canned fruit recalled?

The canned fruit recall involves Great Value Fruit Cocktail in Fruit Juice from Concentrate, a Walmart-branded product. The concern is that the affected cans may contain elevated levels of lead, a toxic metal that can cause health problems when consumed.

According to the recall details reported by Allrecipes and EatingWell, the recall covers approximately 1,836 cases, containing 24 cans each, or around 44,064 cans in total.

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The FDA has classified the incident as Class II. This category applies when exposure to a recalled product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, while the likelihood of serious consequences is considered remote.

The recalled fruit cocktail was sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand and distributed in Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wyoming.

Which canned fruit products are affected?

Consumers should check the identifying information on their cans. Consumers can check the following details to determine whether they have the recalled canned fruit at home:

- Product: Great Value Fruit Cocktail in Fruit Juice from Concentrate

- Can size: 15 ounces

- Lot code: 6FCB 04 C2263

- UPC code: 078742369570

- Best-if-used-by date: September 1, 2027

Lead exposure can cause serious health issues, particularly with repeated or prolonged exposure. In adults, it can contribute to high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive problems. It can also cause joint and muscle pain, mood disorders, and headaches.

Children are especially vulnerable, as lead can interfere with the development of the brain and nervous system, potentially causing learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and hearing loss. Lead exposure during pregnancy can also harm a developing fetus. There is no known safe level of lead exposure in children.

What should you do if you have the recalled canned fruit?

Consumers who find a can matching the recalled product details should not eat it. They should dispose of the product or return it to Walmart for a possible refund.

The FDA has also advised consumers to contact a healthcare provider if they have concerns about possible lead exposure. The recall notice does not establish that every can of the product is contaminated; the concern is that the affected lot may contain elevated lead levels.

The recall does not apply to all canned fruit sold by Walmart. It specifically concerns the identified lot of Great Value Fruit Cocktail in Fruit Juice from Concentrate.

Consumers who have other varieties of canned fruit or different lots of the same product do not need to assume that their products are affected by this particular recall. They should, however, check the product name, lot code and UPC against the recall details. The manufacturer initiated the recall on October 1, while the FDA classified it on October 20.