Consumer Reports found that juices such as grape, apple and fruit blends can contain trace amounts of arsenic or cadmium. Some juices also have levels of mercury, which is toxic in high doses and can cause cancer or neurological problems.
There is concern over the presence of toxic substances in food, drinks, and many consumers are alarmed to find one in their favourite product. This is why so many companies test their products prior to putting them on shelves.
FDA is investigating arsenic in apple liquid and has been working to establish a limit for the amount of organic arsenic permitted in ready-to eat apple juice. According to the FDA, the agency wants to make sure that juice is safe for children as well as that there is no risk 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.
This method of blending apple juice concentrate with water has been condemned because it increases the risk that arsenic could be found in the final product. According to Food Safety News (PDF), a variety of juices have been recalled by companies, including Nature's Own 100% Apple Juice. Tropicana 100 Apple Juice. Red Jacket Orchards 100% Fuji Apple Juice.
Inorganic arsenic has been associated with cancer, skin and kidney diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer in humans. However, it can also be caused volcanic eruptions or rock erosion. Although the EPA recommends you not drink water containing more than 10 parts of billion of total arsenic (which isn't always possible), it is recommended.
Because arsenic naturally occurs in some regions of the globe, it is not unusual for trace amounts to be found in foods and beverages produced overseas. Some of these substances might also be contaminated by pesticides.
Some people, especially children, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of inorganic arsenic because they have weaker systems for processing chemicals and their bodies cannot fully absorb them. 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. These juices are also available online and in grocery stores.
CR tested 45 apples, grapes and juices from national and private label brands to find traces of cadmium. It found that 21 had "concerning level" for one or several of these metals. Some of these brands (e.g., Welch's brand, Trader Joe's Fresh Pressed Apple Juice) exceeded the FDA's limit.