The Food and Drug Administration reported Thursday that 9 out of 14 samples from domestic orange juice processors contained levels of carbendazim ranging from 13 parts per billion to 36 ppb. The remaining samples had levels less than 10 ppb. Imported juice with contamination levels higher than 10 ppb is refused entry into the U.S. market. The newly-released test results were of samples taken in January from Florida-based juice manufacturers that use orange juice or concentrate from Brazil. Juice that is from 100 percent Florida oranges is not at risk for contamination.
The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that levels of the fungicide carbendazim below 80 ppb do not pose a health risk. Based on that decision, the FDA will take no action to remove the pesticide-tainted product from the market and they believe that public consumption of contaminated orange juice poses no safety concerns.
This is the first time that the FDA has released any of the test results for juice produced within the United States. Orange juice imported from Brazil was found to be contaminated with carbendazim in late December, 2011. Since that time, the FDA has been testing both imported and domestic juices. Carbendazim is not approved for use on U.S. orange groves.
The best way to get the health benefits of orange juice, but ensure it is pesticide-free, is to squeeze your own home-grown oranges or buy local organic fruit. Otherwise, purchase 100 percent Florida juices instead of blended products.
The latest test results from the FDA should boost the bottom line for growers and producers of Florida-only juice, especially since all of the contaminated juice blends will eventually end up on store shelves. Now is a good time to support Florida growers and buy only citrus and juices grown and produced within the state.
Additional reading on this topic:
New contamination found in orange juice
Orange juice producers react to pesticide scare
Pesticide-tainted orange juice on store shelves
FDA report released February 2, 2012
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