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Arsenic and lead have been found in apple and grape juices
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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The debate over the safety of fruit juices has intensified after a Consumer Reports study found that many apple and grape juices contain high levels of arsenic.
Scientists found levels of the poison exceeding federal drinking water standards in 10 percent of 88 juice samples tested in five leading brands sold in bottles, boxes or cans.
Most of the arsenic found was inorganic, meaning that drinking the juices could cause bladder, lung and skin cancer. It could also increase the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and some studies suggest that arsenic could affect brain development in children.
Concerns about the safety of apple juices were raised in September when Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of The Dr. Oz Show, said that about one-third of apple juice samples tested had arsenic levels above 10 parts per billion (ppb), the limit for drinking water. It should be noted, however, that there are currently no standardized limits for arsenic in juices or foods.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a statement saying they have "full confidence in the safety of apple juice."
And to put an end to the debate, Consumer Reports decided to conduct another round of testing of fruit juices.
Arsenic levels in grape juice samples were even higher than in apple juice - with the highest level at 25 ppb, more than twice the safety limit for drinking water.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can contaminate groundwater used for drinking and irrigation. It is also used for industrial and agricultural purposes. Chicken products, rice and even baby food now contain inorganic arsenic, scientists say.
A Consumer Reports study also found that 25% of apple juice samples contained higher levels of lead than the FDA's recommended levels for bottled water.
Using data from Consumer Reports, scientists found that people who had recently consumed apple or grape juice had 20 percent more arsenic in their urine than those who did not drink the juices.
Consumers Union and Consumer Reports are calling on the FDA to set arsenic and lead standards for apple and grape juice, especially since inorganic arsenic has been found in other foods.
Lead levels in juice must be limited to 5 parts per billion, like bottled water, while arsenic levels in juice must not exceed 3 parts per billion.
Consumer Reports also urged parents to limit their children's juice consumption in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines: no juices for children under 6 months of age, no more than 4 to 6 grams per day for children under 6 years of age. They also recommend diluting juices with water.
"But the presence of a potentially deadly poison is not the only reason children should not drink juice," said Dr. Peter Richel. "Juices are empty calories. They are loaded with sugar and carbohydrates, which lead to childhood obesity."
A survey by Consumer Reports found that 35% of children ages 5 and younger drink more juice than recommended.
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