Reducing Arsenic Exposure from Apple Juice: Finalized Guidelines
In an attempt to reduce exposure to inorganic arsenic for infants and young children, federal regulators have finalized new guidance on the amount of inorganic arsenic allowed in apple juice. While manufacturers are not required to adhere to this particular limit, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is hoping the guidance will incentivize companies to limit the amount of arsenic in the juice. The striking limit is set at 10 parts per billion (ppb), which is lower than the limits previously seen on apple juice samples. However, investigators are optimistic about better quality drinks, as some juices have tested below 3 ppb and 5 ppb.
What is Arsenic, And How Is It Found In Apple Juice?
Organic arsenic, as opposed to inorganic arsenic, is found in fish and shellfish and has no harmful effects on human health. In contrast, inorganic arsenic primarily comes from soil, groundwater, and sediment. These compounds were used in the manufacture of pest control and paints and are not beneficial to the environment or human life.
Guidelines Should Be Stricter
The FDA is hopeful that the updated guidelines will trigger change in the industry, but Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, believes the limit should be lowered to 3 ppb, and not just for apple juice. Many manufacturers, however, already adhere to the limit of 10 ppb, and only one of the juices tested in CR had inorganic arsenic levels above the FDA’s new limit, with 58% containing levels below the recommended limit of 3 ppb.
Possible Reduced Guidelines in the Future
Since lower limits of arsenic prove more protective to public health, the FDA plans to evaluate the guidelines as part of its Closer to Zero Project. If the FDA discovers inorganic arsenic levels above the approved levels in apple juice, it could revise and modify the guidelines.
Health Risks of Arsenic in Apple Juice
High arsenic levels in apple juice can cause skin discoloration, stomach upsets, nausea, cancer, and even death. Kids are at a higher risk since they drink more juice per body weight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concludes that long-term consumption of apple juice containing arsenic may cause low scores on tests measuring intellectual function and linear growth among children.
Additional Piece
How to Reduce Arsenic Exposure from Apple Juice?
Parents and guardians should serve a variety of fruits and vegetables to children. Serving foods with lower levels of arsenic reduces the overall risk of exposure to arsenic. Whole fresh apples are healthier and juicier than processed apple juice, and reduced exposure to inorganic arsenic. Besides, 100% juices, with an AAP recommendation 4 fl oz per day, than diluted juice drinks are healthier. Lastly, reading the label on the apple juice product and consulting a pediatrician is vital in reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.
A practical way to check the amount of arsenic in fruit is by using home testing kits. Using myKit Arsenic, for instance, is a simple and affordable method to test arsenic levels in juice, well water, and more. It is certified by EPA and reduces arsenic exposure risk, which may lower the probability of suffering harmful effects from consuming juice contaminated with arsenic.
Organizations that are fighting for arsenic-free juice manufacture and safe standards include MomsRising and The Campaign for Safe Food. These campaigns educate parents, guardians, and the public on the risks of consuming juice containing high levels of arsenic and advocate for change in the food production industry.
Conclusion
The guidelines set by the FDA may not be mandated, but their implementation by companies can be a positive step towards reducing exposure to inorganic arsenic. These guidelines could motivate companies to improve manufacturing practices to produce safer apple juice. Changing the industry culture regarding the use of apple juice in children’s diets may lead to more significant changes throughout the food industry. By choosing to omit apple juice and serve whole fresh fruits and vegetables or alternative beverages, you are taking a giant step towards healthier alternatives. Moreover, regularly consulting a pediatrician, reading labels, and using home testing kits for arsenic is an excellent way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, particularly for children.
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By Cara Murez
HealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, June 7, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Federal regulators have finalized new guidance on the amount of inorganic arsenic that may be present in apple juice, in an effort to limit infants and young children’s exposure to it. environmental pollutant.
What is the new limit? 10 parts per billion, a number first proposed in 2013.
“We are finalizing an action level of 10 ppb because we believe this level can be achieved using good manufacturing practices,” the FDA added in a news release announcing the guidance.
While the cap is not required for manufacturers, the agency said it hopes the guidance will provide encouragement. While some apple juice samples have been tested at 3 ppb and 5 ppb, others are above 10 ppb.
It is also possible that the guidelines will be reduced over time.
“Since lower levels of arsenic are more protective of public health, we hope to review this action level as part of FDA’s Closer to Zero action plan,” the FDA said.
Many manufacturers already meet the 10 ppb level, CNN informed, citing consumer reports and his 2018 test of fruit juices.
“All but one of the juices in CR’s tests had inorganic arsenic levels below the FDA’s 10 ppb limit, and 58 percent had levels below CR’s recommended limit of 3 ppb.” consumer reports said in a statement to CNN.
Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at consumer reportssaid the limit should be 3 ppb and not just for apple juice.
Still, Ronholm supports the FDA’s establishment limits, CNN informed.
“It is encouraging that the FDA has recently embarked on a renewed approach to address food chemicals and heavy metals,” he said. “Hopefully, the FDA will continue to focus on these issues and will monitor and take action if it finds concerning levels of inorganic arsenic in apple juice.”
While organic arsenic is found in fish and shellfish and is not harmful to human health, inorganic arsenic is found in soil, sediment, and groundwater. These compounds were used for the manufacture of paints and pest control and are not benign, CNN informed.
More information
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about arsenic.
FOUNTAIN: US Food and Drug Administration, press release, June 1, 2023; CNN
https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20230607/fda-finalizes-limit-on-how-much-arsenic-can-be-in-apple-juice?src=RSS_PUBLIC
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