Apple Juice and Arsenic?

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

You might have heard the report by Dr. Mehmet Oz - the cardiothoracic surgeon and Emmy award winning television host – that 5 brands of apple juice on his show tested for higher levels of the heavy metal arsenic than are approved by federal regulations for drinking water. His conclusion was that the government should set stricter standards, given that arsenic is associated with kidney damage and some cancers.

This is just one glaring example of consumer confusion when it comes to food. Apple juice? Safe or not? The FDA has challenged Dr. Oz’s conclusions, saying that his testing methods were flawed, and that he did not distinguish between harmful inorganic arsenic, and organic arsenic (not thought to be a health risk by safety regulators). The FDA says it is always testing apple juice, and the levels are within guidelines, posing no health risk.

It’s the consumer who always has to slug through these kinds of mixed messages. When it comes to apple juice, it seems that many health professionals continue to support the FDA’s food safety testing, so if you drink apple juice, don’t panic!

But possible arsenic concerns aside, there are other more important reasons to limit apple juice consumption, for both yourself and your children. You always want to eat your fruit and not drink it – even 100% apple juice is nutrient-poor, and simply a source of extra calories, contributing to overweight, as well as cavities (it’s sugary composition!).

Be an informed consumer. Sometimes it’s a challenge, but information is always available from the FDA, National Institutes of Health, and other evidence-based websites.

Please weigh in with your thoughts!