Consumer Groups: Apple Juice Contaminated
The Food and Drug Administration is weighing its options in deciding whether or not to require lower levels of a contaminant in apple juice. The contaminant under question is Arsenic.
Research shows that apple juice has fairly low levels of arsenic, and the Food and Drug Administration says it's safe to drink. But consumer advocacy groups say the Food and Drug Administration is permitting too much of the chemical. Moreover, the arsenic in question is sometimes natural and sometimes man-made. In addition, apple is drunk regularly by children.
The Environmental Protection Agency calls for arsenic levels in water to be as low as three parts per billion. However, in apple juice, the Food and Drug Administration only recommends that arsenic levels be as low as 23 parts per billion.
The science behind the effects of low levels of arsenic on children is scant. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration announced more testing and research on arsenic in apple and other juices has begun, according to Michael Taylor, the Food and Drug Administration's deputy commissioner. The Food and Drug Administration's “level of concern” for arsenic may be lowered in the future.
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