After more than a year of public pressure, the FDA is setting a new limit on the level of arsenic, a cancer-causing agent, allowed in apple juice. Studies show that apple juice contains a very low level of arsenic. Although the FDA has monitored arsenic in apple juice for decades and have said that the levels found in the juice are not dangerous to the consumer, which include small children, they are still enforcing the new levels of arsenic in the juice to be same level as permitted in drinking water. The reason behind this says FDA Comissioner Dr. Margeret Hamburg is “…to put forward this proposed action level to give guidance to industry and to assure ongoing safety and quality.” The amount of arsenic exposure that can trigger the disease is unclear, so the FDA is taking a very cautious approach.

Most experts agree that drinking small amounts of apple juice isn’t harmful, the concern is when consumers drink large amounts over long periods of time. It’s said that children under 6 should not be drinking much juice, due to the high calories. Children under 6 should drink no more than 6 ounces a day, and infants under 6 months shouldn’t be allowed to drink juice at all.

What’s next for apple juice?

The new standard specifically targets the inorganic arsenic, like those found in pesticides. This arsenic can be toxic and may pose a cancer risk if it is consumed at high levels or over a long period of time. While the organic arsenic occurs naturally in soil and passes through the body without causing any harm. The new regulations states that no more than 10 parts per billion is allowed in apple juice, any apple juice that is over the new standard can be removed from the market and companies could face legal action.  The Juice Products Association said it is reviewing the FDA’s proposal and risk assessment.