Nutrition In Motion, P.C.
Consumer Reports investigates arsenic in the food supply:
- Findings: 10% of apple juice and grape juice samples had total arsenic levels above the drinking water standard of 10 parts per billion.
- In addition, the majority of arsenic in the tested juice was inorganic, a known carcinogen.
Dr. Oz and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration
- Since the issue was originally broadcasted in September 2011, the FDA claims the majority of arsenic in apple juice is organic or the “harmless” kind.
- The FDA now says it’s researching the new evidence suggesting the majority of arsenic in apple juice is inorganic.
- Further, the FDA states there are two forms of organic arsenic in apple juice that are potentially harmful (in addition to the inorganic arsenic).
- The FDA is re-evaluating the levels of concern for juice, currently at 23 parts per billion ( a level of concern not including the risk of cancer from this known carcinogen)
- Nine previously undisclosed test results were released by the FDA, indicating arsenic levels above the current level of concern at 23 parts per billion.
The root of the problem: Whether from arsenic based pesticides in orchards or arsenic-contaminated water added to concentrate, arsenic can contaminate our nation’s juice supply.
“American apple juice is made from apple concentrate, 60% of which is imported from China. Other countries may use pesticides that contain arsenic, a heavy metal known to cause cancer.”
“Although arsenic has been banned in the U.S. for decades, it’s not always regulated in other countries where it may be in water supply or used in pesticides contaminating the juice you’re giving your children”.
“Most people don’t realize that 2/3 of the apple juice that Americans consume-more than 400 million gallons annually-come from juice concentrates shipped from China. A recen report by Food & Water Watch revealed that many other food and drinks that children consume on a daily basis, including canned and frozen fruit, candy and vitamins, are coming from China with little or no food safety oversight”.
What can you do to protect your children?
- Buy organic whenever possible. According to Dr. Oz’s independent tests, none of the organic apple juices contained arsenic levels higher than deemed safe in drinking water, as per establishements of EPA.
- Search the package, making sure you purchase apple juice made from concentrate in the U.S. as it is more intensely regulated and hence the healthiest option for juice selection.
- Search the package for country of origin, as labels are often misleading. “a product of” could simply mean the juice was packaged in that country, or that the packaging was created in that country. Concentration origin is of primary importance.
Reference: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/arsenic-apple-juice
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