According to representatives at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the majority of fruit juices on store shelves contain minute traces of arsenic. Though ingesting high levels of arsenic may result in adverse health events, the FDA remains confident that the vast majority of fruit juices are safe to drink. However, recent studies have indicated that a select group of popular fruit juice products have more arsenic in them than legal limits allow.
Consumer Reports, a product-testing organization, collected data from 88 different samples of fruit juice products and discovered that five samples of apple juice and four samples of grape juice had total arsenic levels exceeding federal limits in place of drinking water. Subsequently, popular brands including Apple & Eve, Great Value, Mott’s, Walgreens and Welch’s presented at least one sample that exceeded the 10 parts per billion threshold. With arsenic levels teetering on the brink of significant danger, consumers have a renewed concern for the safety of their children.
According to the findings of the study, which will be featured in the January 2012 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, the 88 samples that were tested were taken from 28 apple juice brands and three grape juice brands. Included in the trial were variations of juice products that included ready-to-drink bottles, juice boxes and cans of concentrate from different lot numbers. The products purchased by Consumer Reports were obtained from stores in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Further compounding the concerns of consumers, the study found traces of another hazardous element that may potentially cause adverse health effects. Data collected by Consumer Reports indicated that approximately one-fourth of all juice samples had lead levels at or above the federal limit for bottled water.
Contradictory to the allegations of dangerously high arsenic and lead levels, representatives from the Juice Products Association claim that the statements issued by Consumer Reports are false. Gail Charnley, a toxicologist for the juice association, acknowledged that “fruit juice producers are confident the juice being sold today is safe.”
According to Consumer Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, these recent findings should prompt the federal government to establish legal arsenic limits in juice products. The severe nature of arsenic poisoning may prove to be enough to establish these limits in the near future.
Though arsenic is a naturally occurring substance found in water, air, food and soil, those who consume dangerously high levels may be subjected to severe, life-threatening complications. Breathing in high levels of arsenic can irritate the throat and lungs, while exposure to lower levels may cause nausea and vomiting.
After taking into consideration the recently collected data and the severity of arsenic related injuries, the FDA has increased efforts to monitor the product so that they may determine if levels can be established that would reduce consumer exposure to arsenic in juice.
Do I Have an Arsenic Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in arsenic lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured by fruit juice containing high levels of arsenic, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a lawsuit. For a free case review, please click the link below or call toll free 24 hrs/day 1-(949) 557-5800.