Apple juice and grape juice have levels of arsenic that could raise kids' risk of cancer, according to an investigation by Consumer Reports. The study of 88 samples of fruit juice bought in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut found that 10% had arsenic levels that exceeded standards set for federal drinking water. In addition, 25% exceeded the levels of lead deemed safe for bottled water.
The advocacy arm of the group, Consumers Union, called on the FDA to set safety levels for fruit juices given how many kids drink them. “What we’re talking about here is not about acute affects,” one CR scientist tells NBC. “We’re talking about chronic effects. We’re talking about cancer risk." In response to the study, the FDA said it remains confident in the safety of fruit juices but added that it "has expanded our surveillance activities and is collecting additional data." (More apple juice stories.)