« Arsenic in Your Apple Juice? Yes Indeed »

In January 2011, Consumer Reports tested 88 samples of apple and grape juice purchased in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. They found that  an unsettling 10 percent of those samples had total arsenic levels exceeding federal drinking water safety standards. You can download and read the complete report at Consumer Reports Arsenic Test Results January 2012.pdf.  

In July, TV host Dr. Oz and his team did a study of major apple juice brands and found unacceptable levels of arsenic in such major brands as Motts and Minute Maid.  The Motts apple juice tested contained five times the arsinic allowed by federal standards in drinking water.  The FDA is defending itself and is not happy about the Oz report or the investigations of Consumers Union.

The bottom line is that there are disturbing levels of arsenic levels in both the apple and grape juice found in American supermarkets and grocery stores,  and while there are strict Federal standards for drinking water, there are none for fruit juices.

What there is, is a growing body of evidence that even very small amounts of arsenic can wreack havoc on young children and babies in the womb.  I can’t help but wonder  about the implications of this when it comes to the disturbing increases in conditions like  autism,  in young children.  The role of arsenic in all this is a question that at least deserves to be asked.

Though the Food and Drug Administration continues to insist that it is “confident in the overall safety of apple juice consumed in this country,” Consumers Union, the parent company of Consumer Reports, has been calling for federal standards for juice based on the Consumer Reports findings and pressure is mounting from other sources as well.

The FDA  has taken notice and is in the process of investigating the issue, but the wheels of Federal bureaucracy  grind slowly. 

 Meanwhile, you might want to  re-think apple and grape juice as healthy drinks  for young children and pregnant women

Comments

[Sherri]

The info in this post makes me angry. There are hazardous arsenic levels in the beverages young kids drink everyday, and the FDA takes a defensive posture? Come on! As for arsenic possibly contributing to autism, absolutely that should be looked into. (Don't get me going on my conspiracy theory about how the 1% is poisoning the 99.)

[Layla Cayen]

Dr. Oz describing high levels of arsenic in fruit juice in this segment has been charged with mockery from viewers and by some groups. The Food and drug administration was also not amused by him. However, a brand new study by Consumer Reports has backed up his claims. I guess people should be more educated with what is the difference between the organic and inorganic arsenic in order for them to analyze the product content they are consuming if it's dangerous or not.
Learn more at: http://www.newsytype.com/13756-consumer-reports-arsenic-in-juice/

[Roberta Kyle, Senior Editor]

Thanks for re-iterating the facts of this post and adding to them, Layla-- your point about the difference between the organic and inorganic arsenic is well taken.. It is also true that apple seeds contain arsenic as do peach pits and probably grape seeds as well-- but these are not necessarily hazardous to human health. Obviously more work needs to be done.

Personally, I applaud Dr. Oz for bringing this up and focussing popular attention on this. The Consumer Reports study along with Dr. Oz will definitely spur the Food and Drug folks to action. I think. Thanks for the link too-- excellent material there.