FDA scientists employ two methods to monitor inorganic arsenic levels in apple juice. They use ICP-MS to measure total arsenic. The second method (speciation analysis) determines the ratio of inorganic to organic arsenic within the sample. The former is more sensitive when arsenic levels are low, but the latter is better at higher levels.
Sources of inorganic Arsenic in Apple Juice
Low levels of inorganic Arsenic are found in apple juice, which can have toxic effects. Food and Drug Administration, however, has advised consumers to be aware and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of arsenic. The agency has ordered 90 samples of imported juice to be tested by the end of the year. It has also responded on behalf of consumer groups to their requests for stricter limits on heavy metallics in apple products.
According to the FDA's surveillance program on arsenic levels in food, apples have very low arsenic levels compared with other fruits and vegetables. Some organic arsenic compounds, like dimethylarsinic, have been found to cause toxicity in animal experiments. Additionally, DMAV can cause cancer in rats. However, these studies are based upon animal studies and metabolic differences could differ in humans.
Carcinogenicity inorganic arsenic
While it is unclear how much inorganic arsenic is in apple juice, there are some studies that suggest it is not carcinogenic. In one study of 168 preschool children, 11% consumed 12 oz of fruit juice a day. This equates to 3.5mg of iAs daily. This study shows that a high arsenic end rate could increase the average daily intake by 39 to 78%. FDA sets a limit for juice at 10 ppb. This allows background exposure to arsenic during vulnerable times in life.
The FDA monitors levels of inorganic arsenic within various food products. The agency has proposed action levels for arsenic in rice and fruit juices, but these levels have not been implemented yet. The FDA sent an advisory letter to the apple juice producer in 2012 but has not yet created enforceable standards for levels of arsenic.
EPA limit for inorganic arsenic in drinking water
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 considers that drinking water should contain less than 10 parts of billion arsenic. However, some consumer groups say the limit should be increased.
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. Four samples, however, exceeded the limit of total arsenic.
Arsenic, a toxic element, has been used to poison people for thousands of years. Even small amounts can prove fatal. It has been linked with bladder, skin, and lung cancer. It can increase your chances of developing heart disease, and even immune deficiency.