FDA scientists use two methods in order to monitor the inorganic acid in apple juice. First, they use an inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for total arsenic measurement. The second method (speciation analysis) determines the ratio of inorganic to organic arsenic within the sample. The first method is more sensitive to low levels, while the second is more sensitive to higher concentrations.
Sources of inorganic arsenic in apple juice
Inorganic arsenic is a contaminant that can cause toxic effects. Apple juice has low levels. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged consumers to be aware of the risks of arsenic and to take steps to protect themselves. The agency is currently monitoring imported juices and has ordered 90 samples be tested by year's close. It has also responded positively to consumer groups' demands for stricter limits of heavy metals in apples.
The FDA's surveillance program to monitor arsenic in foods has shown that apples have low levels of arsenic compared to other fruits or vegetables. Some organic arsenic species have been shown to be toxic in animal studies. This includes dimethylarsinic (DMAV). Additionally, DMAV can cause cancer in rats. However, these studies are based upon animal studies and metabolic differences could differ in humans.
Carcinogenicity of 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 amounts to 3.5 mg of iAs each day. The study found that this high end rate would result in an increase of 39 to 78 percent in the average arsenic intake. The limit imposed by the FDA for juice is based on the action level of 10 ppb, which allows for background levels of exposure during a potentially vulnerable lifestage.
The FDA is currently monitoring levels of inorganic arsenic in various food products. The FDA has suggested levels of arsenic in rice, fruit juices, and other food products. However these levels have yet to be implemented. Although the FDA did send a warning letter about apple juice manufacturing in 2012, it has not yet produced enforceable standards to regulate the amount of arsenic in apple cider.
EPA limit on inorganic arsenic levels in drinking water
The EPA has set a limit to inorganic arcenic levels in apple juice or drinking water. This limit is based upon a study of 94 samples. The EPA considers that drinking water should contain less than 10 parts of billion arsenic. However, some consumer groups feel that the limit should rise.
The FDA has previously examined the levels of inorganic Arsenic in apple products. Survey data showed that most of the samples tested were below the EPA's limit for inorganic Arsenic. There were however four samples that exceeded this limit.
Arsenic, a toxic element, has been used to poison people for thousands of years. Even very small amounts of arsenic can cause serious health problems. It has been linked to skin, lung, and bladder cancer. It also increases the risk of heart disease and immune deficiency.