WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration says it is considering tightening its standards for the levels of arsenic allowed in apple juice after consumer groups pushed the agency to crack down on the contaminant.
Studies show apple juice has generally low levels of arsenic, and the government says it is safe to drink. But consumer advocates say the FDA is allowing too much of the chemical into apple juices favored by kids.
There is little consensus on whether these low levels could eventually be harmful, especially to children.
The FDA deputy commissioner for foods, Michael Taylor, says the agency already has stepped up testing and research on arsenic in apple and other juices and is seriously considering lowering the so-called “level of concern” for the contaminant.
