FDA scientists use two methods to detect inorganic arsenic found in apple juice. First, they use an inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for total arsenic measurement. The second method is speciation analysis. This determines the relative amount inorganic or organic arsenic present in the sample. The former is more sensitive for low levels of arsenic while the latter is sensitive at higher concentrations.
Sources and uses of inorganic arsenic within apple juice
Inorganic arsenic is a contaminant that can cause toxic effects. Apple juice has low levels. Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers that arsenic can cause serious health problems and that they should take steps to avoid it. The agency is currently monitoring imported juice and has ordered 90 samples to be tested by year's end. The agency has also responded to the demands of consumer groups for stricter limits on heavy metals in apple juice.
The FDA's surveillance for arsenic content in food found that apples are very low in arsenic when compared to other vegetables and fruits. Some organic arsenic species, including dimethylarsinic Acid (DMAV), were toxic in animal tests. Although DMAV is carcinogenic in rats, these studies were based on animal studies. Human metabolic differences may also be involved.
Carcinogenicity of inorganic arsenic
Although it isn’t known how much organic arsenic is found in apple juice, there have been some studies to suggest it is safe and non-carcinogenic. One study showed that only 11% of preschool children consumed 12 ounces a day of fruit juice. This would mean that 3.5 mg per day of iAs are consumed. According to the study, this high end rate would increase the average dietary intake of arsenic by 39 to 78 percent. FDA sets a limit for juice at 10 ppb. This allows background exposure to arsenic during vulnerable times in life.
The FDA is currently monitoring levels for inorganic azarenic in various foods. While the agency has recommended action levels for arsenic levels in rice and fruit drinks, these levels have not yet been implemented. Although the FDA issued a warning letter in 2012 to apple juice manufacturers, it has not yet established enforceable standards regarding the level of arsenic found in apple juice.
Limits for inorganic Arsenic in Drinking Water by the EPA
The EPA has set a limit for inorganic arsenic levels in drinking water and apple juice. This is based a study on 94 samples. The EPA assumes that the amount of arsenic in a person's drinking water is less than 10 parts per billion. Some consumers argue that the limit should increase.
The FDA had previously done an analysis of inorganic arsenic levels in apple products. According to the surveys, the majority of these samples were within the EPA limits for inorganic arsenic. However, there have been four samples that exceeded the limit for total arsenic.
Arsenic, a toxic element, has been used to poison people for thousands of years. Even tiny amounts can be deadly. It has been linked directly to bladder, lung, or skin cancer. It can increase your risk of developing immune deficiency and heart disease.