Alarming New Scientific Study Finds Elevated Toxic Arsenic, Lead And Cadmium In 47% Of Fruit Juice Brands

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Troubling new results have been published (Jan 2019) by Consumer Reports regarding well known consumer brands of fruit juice, indicating potentially harmful levels of cadmium, lead, mercury, and inorganic arsenic (the type most harmful to health).

The scientific study tested 45 consumer brands of packaged fruit juices, typically “from concentrate”, in four popular flavors apple, grape, pear and “fruit blends”. 45 juices represnting 24 national, store, and private-label brands sold in the U.S. were tested.

Twenty-one out of the 45 juices (47%) tested had concerning levels of cadmium, inorganic arsenic, and/or lead. Interestingly, organic juices did not fare better than non-organic in this particular test.

The dangerous effects of heavy metals are very well established. Children and adults exposed to these toxins may be at increased risk of cancer, diabetes, lower IQ and other mental and physical problems.

Heavy / toxic metals are found throughout the environment, in increased quantities since the industrial revolution – and the challenges of identifying the source of the pollutants is quite difficult; the global food distribution chain is complex and “juice from concentrate” often contains juices from more than one origin. Nonetheless, it should be possible to test batches of juice prior to blending. This is a problem that can be solved: If some companies can achieve low levels, so can others.

Here is the link to Consumer Reports’ full report, including a chart of which juices are considered more and less safe:

Arsenic and Lead Are in Your Fruit Juice: What You Need to Know