Bill Introduced To Limit Arsenic Levels In Juice

Lawmakers have announced a new bill to limit the amount of arsenic in apple juice.

Titled the "Arsenic Prevention and Protection from Lead Exposure in Juice (APPLE Juice) Act of 2012," the bill would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to set standards for arsenic and lead levels in all fruit juices.

If the bill passes, the FDA would have two years to establish the standards; it currently has arsenic limits for drinking water.

The bill was introduced by New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone and Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and is a response to recent news coverage about the presence of arsenic in chidlren's apple juice.

Dr. Oz first brought the issue to light in September of 2011, saying the arsenic levels in apple juice were dangerous for kids. FDA officials, as well as other health officials, claimed the presence of arsenic is natural and completely safe.

Then in November, Consumer Reports tested 88 sample of apple juice and found that 10 percent of the samples had more arsenic than what was allowed for bottled water. While the results were similar to those of the FDA, most of the arsenic found was inorganic, a known carcinogen.

"Setting basic standards for arsenic and lead in products whose consumers are primarily children is not only the right thing to do, it will help give parents the peace of mind that the juices their children drink daily are safe," Pallone said.

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