The FDA has set limits for inorganic arsenic in apple juice, but Consumer Reports says the level is still too high and could harm children who consume the popular drink.
Food and Drug Administration on Thursday announce It set a maximum of 10 parts per billion as the allowable amount of inorganic arsenic in apple juice, noting that it has capped some apple juice products at levels around that amount.
But Consumer Reports takes issue with that limit, arguing that it’s still very high and could pose a risk to children’s health. Arsenic can enter apple juice through a number of methods, including pesticides that contain arsenic, high levels of arsenic naturally in soil or water, or through industrial activities that affect the environment. a report on her recommendation.
The limits set by the FDA “are too high, and will leave children vulnerable to serious health problems, including damage to the brain and nervous system, which can lead to learning and behavior problems,” said Brian Ronholm, director of consumer dietary policy. reports, in a statement.
The FDA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Research indicates potential harm
The FDA noted in its report that sampling of apple juice that lasted nearly a decade found the average arsenic level to be 4.6 parts per billion. But some samples had arsenic levels as high as 44 ppb.
The arsenic in apple juice poses a greater risk to children because they drink more liquid per their body weight than adults. The FDA noted that research indicates a link between “adverse neurodevelopmental effects” in infants and children and exposure to the chemical.
Consumer Reports said that because of the potential harm to children, the arsenic level should be capped at 3 parts per billion in apple juice.
in 2019 report, Consumer Reports found that some popular fruit juices may contain heavy metals including lead, arsenic and cadmium. This testing found that all but one of the juices contained arsenic levels below the Food and Drug Administration’s limit of 10 ppb, while 58% contained an amount less than 3 ppb.
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