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Pediatric dentists have long told parents that drinking apple juice rots kids teeth. Now there is a new study that should cause more concern for parents who serve up endless sippy cups of apple juice to thirsty toddlers.
According to an independent study released by the St. Petersburg Times newspaper, apple juice contains high levels of arsenic.
That's right you read it right. Arsenic. The stuff they use in TMC movies when they want to poison someone. (Think Cary Grant's elderly murderous aunts in 'Arsenic and Old Lace').
A few years ago the government lowered the limit of arsenic in drinking water but somehow the FDA overlooked or forgot to place limits on fruit juices. They have told companies that 23 ppb (parts per billion) is a 'level of concern' but the newspaper's study found that more than 25% of the 18 samples tested contained between 25 and 35 ppb of arsenic which is way more than a 'level of concern.' (Don't you just love the bureaucratic terminology?)
Some well known brands that didn't pass the arsenic test include Motts and Apple & Eve Organics, which were found to have 25 to 35 ppb of arsenic.
Before you freak out completely, it turns out that small amounts of arsenic is found in lots of food, the water supply and is used in sprays applied to apples. However, ingesting high levels of arsenic over a long time has been linked to a list of unpleasant ailments like organ damage.
The FDA issued a statement meant to mollify parents concerned over 'levels of concern.'
"We don't have any evidence at this point to say that we feel there's a risk issue that you need to be mindful of," said P. Michael Bolger, the FDA's chief of chemical hazards assessment.
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3-23-2010 @12:18PM Steve said... My goodness. The old adage is that for every whack job out there, there is a group that will follow. We have been drinking apple juice and consuming other poisons for years. When I had blood clots, I took low dose coumadin, which is rat poison. You can find an article that is pro or anti any food, even water. Come on people, relax. The FDA is doing a fine job. If you want to live in protective cotton, you will end up not really living. Much of our immunity comes from our exposure as a child. This is a non-story. Hey, I know, Bush almost died eating pretzels, maybe we should puree them first.
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3-23-2010 @11:33PM marie said... When my son was 7 the dentist came out to the waiting room with horror in his face to ask me if my son had been seriously ill the past year. I didn't understand what or why he was asking me that.The doctor went on to tell me that all of his enamel had been stripped away, and that , that usually only happens when someone has been seriously ill and on some very strong medications. I was shocked .My son was the epitome of health I told him. We don't eat sugar. He loves vegetables and doesn't drink soda or junk, only apple juice or milk. It was the "APPLE JUICE".
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3-24-2010 @8:03AM Aland Coons said... You will naturally find more in the organic mixes since they (like cider) have more seeds and less filtering. That's why MOTTS and Apple & Eve ORGANICS are being specifically named. Guess what -- it's good for you! The FDA won't tell you this so I will -- the "poison" found in the seeds and pits is the greatest source of natural cancer protection!
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3-24-2010 @12:01AM marie said... When my son was 7 the dentist came out to the waiting room with horror in his face to ask me if my son had been seriously ill the past year. I didn't understand what or why he was asking me that.The doctor went on to tell me that all of his enamel had been stripped away, and that , that usually only happens when someone has been seriously ill and on some very strong medications. I was shocked .My son was the epitome of health I told him. We don't eat sugar. He loves vegetables and doesn't drink soda or junk, only apple juice or milk. It was the "APPLE JUICE". We haven't touched it since , and that was 25 years ago. Enamel never grows back.
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3-23-2010 @1:26PM lively said... Oh, please. Just another scare tactic from some company (who will not be mentioned) so that their brands can sell better. Notice that the only brands they named were 2 of the top sellers? Quit letting every little "OMG, there's POISON in that there...fill in the blank" story get your goat people! If the levels of any chemical in processed juices were high enough to cause problems, don't ya think someone would have DIED by now?
Another example of the sheep meekly following the shepherd
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3-23-2010 @1:45PM Clue said... That's it. I'm not going to eat anything until Nicki tells me it's safe!!! Note to self: everything on the internet is true. :o)
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3-23-2010 @2:04PM Diogenes said... The EPA's batting average on what is and what is not safe wouldn't get them a spot on a semi-pro ball club. Remember whan San Joquin Valley farmers were forced to throw away tons of healthy tomatoes? False alarm! I'm waiting for the day when the FDA and EPA issue a joint warning that fresh air and clean water are carcinogenic. ..Get the feds the hell out of our lives....
3-23-2010 @2:24PM ms ray said... wow....maybe we all should invest in a juicer and grow our own produce and ...how about avoiding meat and whatever else concerns you regarding the consumption of x - y & z.
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3-23-2010 @2:31PM Jacqueline said... Okay Folks let's not PANIC! I was born and raised in Washington state and everyone there I know ate apples, picked apples, and yes even had apple juice and or cider on a daily basis, so I guess I should be DEAD!! but I'm not. I'm a heathy 52 year old woman who still eat apples, and drink the juice just about everyday. Perhaps this is why I'm 52 but is looking 32 years of age and is in the "Best of Health".. Maybe some of you might need to enjoy the benefits of Mr. Apple....... :)
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3-23-2010 @4:26PM FruitJuice RD said... "High levels" of arsenic were not found in the St. Petersburg Times juice samples, as is cited in the above post. The tiny amounts of trace minerals detected in this small sampling of juices should not cause parents to worry about the safety of apple juice. The Times article is extremely misleading to parents, as the laboratory tests inappropriately compare juice to drinking water standards and not the limits set for juices and other foods. The trace minerals detected in the juice samples are naturally found throughout our food supply (even in whole fruit) and all juices tested by the Times meet current safety standards set by the FDA. I work closely with the Juice Products Association and as a registered dietitian I remain confident in recommending 100% fruit juices to parents. One hundred percent juice is a nutrient dense beverage choice that supplies a full serving of fruit per half cup portion. Readers can find more information about the health and safety of apple juice and other juices here: http://www.juiceproducts.org/pr_031410.html
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3-23-2010 @5:43PM Di said... This doesn't have anything to do with apples, but... TCM (Turner Classic Movies) shows old movies, not TMC... (Sorry, old movie buff here. lol)
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3-23-2010 @11:56PM sally said... I don't know about you but I am getting pretty fed up by finding out that things I ate,or am eating, or worse fed my children , could probably have killed or injured us. I want this to be a better country. I want to know that the things I buy and eat are " HEALTHY ". All of the other countries do it why cant we.Why do we still allow so much poison in our food ,in our water on our products, in our medicine. Enough is enough. What kind of half ass selfish greedy government do we have? And when is it going to change to be the government WE want? WE WANT HEALTHY, WE WANT SAFE.Enough of greed.
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3-24-2010 @5:21PM mark said... I want to know my food doesn't have poison on it, or in it. These things are illegal in other countries why not ours. Face it America is becoming a trash pit. One has to SEARCH really hard to find healthy and that is not right.
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3-24-2010 @6:35AM bev said... This might be a sign this day might not be my best one. Got up, went to the frig and poured myself a glass of apple juice then came to the computer to read the news. First thing I read is this article. Yup, might not be my best day.
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5-28-2010 @4:29AM lyn said... Is it safe to eat organic apples? I give my toddlers organic apples (which has the juice intact). I don't give them the seeds of course.
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