Apple and grape juice found arsenic and lead
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The debate over the safety of fruit juices has intensified after the publication of the results of the Consumer Reports study, which found that many apple and grape juices contain high concentrations of arsenic.
Scientists have found that poison levels exceed federal drinking water standards by 10% of the 88 juice samples tested in five leading brands that are sold in bottles, boxes or cans.
Most of the detected arsenic was inorganic, which means that the use of such juices can cause cancer of the bladder, lungs and skin. It can also increase the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and in some studies it is said that arsenic can affect the development of the brain in children.
Doubts about the safety of apple juices arose in September, when Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of the Dr. Oza Show, stated that about one third of the samples of apple juice tested for arsenic content exceed 10 ppb, which is the limit for drinking water. It should be noted that to date there is no standardized restriction for arsenic in juices or food products.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement that they are "completely confident in the safety of apple juice."
And in order to stop the discussion, Consumer Reports decided to conduct another testing of fruit juices.
Arsenic levels in grape juice samples were even higher than in apple juice - with the highest level of 25 ppb, which exceeds the norm by more than two times for the safety of drinking water.
Arsenic is an element of natural origin 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 today contain inorganic arsenic, scientists say.
A study by Consumer Reports also found that 25% of apple juice samples contained higher levels of lead than those recommended by the FDA for bottled water.
Using data from Consumer Reports, the researchers found that people who had recently consumed apple or grape juice had 20% more arsenic in their urine compared to those who did not drink juice.
The Consumer Union and Consumer Reports urge the FDA to set standards for arsenic and lead content for apple and grape juice, especially given that inorganic arsenic has been found in other foods.
The level of lead in the juice should be limited to 5 particles per billion, as for bottled water, while the arsenic level in the juice should not exceed 3 particles per billion.
Consumer Reports also urged parents to limit the consumption of juice by children in accordance with the principles of the American Academy of Pediatrics: up to 6 months of age, juices are contraindicated, for children under 6 years - no more than 4 - 6 grams per day. They also recommend diluting the juices with water.
"But the presence of a potentially deadly poison is not the only reason why children should not drink juice," said Dr. Peter Richel, "The juices are empty calories, saturated with sugar and carbohydrates that lead to childhood obesity."
A survey conducted by Consumer Reports showed that 35% of children aged 5 years and younger drink more juice than recommended.
[1]