Consumer Reports has found that many juices (including grape, apple, and blended fruit juices) contain trace amounts arsenic, lead, cadmium, and cadmium. Mercury can also be found in juices, which can cause neurological problems or cancer in high doses.
Consumers are often concerned about the presence toxic chemicals in food and drink. Companies conduct rigorous testing before putting their products on the shelves.
FDA is currently investigating arsenic and apple juice. Agency says it wants to ensure the safety of children drinking apple juice, and minimize the potential for harm to their health.
Because it is a carcinogen known to cause cancer, inorganic arsenic can be dangerous in apple juice. It can also harm the immune system, increase risk of diabetes and heart disease, as well as lower an individual's intelligence.
Over the years there has been a shift of how juice is made. Some companies now use Apple-juice Concentrate from China. This concentrate is known for having high arsenic levels in its groundwater. The concentrate is mixed with water and sold as juice to consumers.
The process of mixing apple-juice concentrate and water has been criticised because it increases arsenic levels in the final product. According to Food Safety News' website, many companies have voluntarily recall their juice. This includes Tropicana 100% Apple Juice; Nature's Own 100% Apple Juice; and Red Jacket Orchards 100 Fuji Apple Juice Never Added Concentrate (PDF).
Inorganic Arsenic has been shown to cause cancer, kidney and skin disease, as well as neurological disorders. It can also be caused from rock erosion and volcanic eruptions. The EPA recommends that you avoid drinking water that contains more than 10 parts per billion of total arsenic, but this isn't always possible.
It is common to find arsenic in foods and drinks made in other countries, as it is a natural element in some areas of the world. Pesticides could also cause some of these substances to be contaminated.
Children are especially vulnerable to the toxic effects of inorganic Arsenic. This is because their systems for processing chemicals are weaker and their bodies cannot absorb them fully. According to the CDC, children who consume high amounts of arsenic in their juice may experience impaired brain development and other health problems.
A growing number of people are looking for juices without arsenic. Some of these options are available on the Internet or at grocery stores.
CR tested 45 apple, grape and fruit juices from 24 national and private-label brands to look for traces of cadmium, lead, inorganic arsenic or mercury. It found that 21 out of 45 juices tested had "concerning levels" of one or more of these metals. Some brands, including Welch's and Trader Joe's Fresh Pressed Apple Juice exceeded the FDA's limit for inorganic arsenic.