In the "real" world, it is said that you can't compare apples to oranges. But, lately, juice consumers have been bombarded with the news of poisonous chemicals seeping into our favorite fruit juices! Last year, we found out about traces of arsenic found in apple juice concentrate. And, this week, news broke that the FDA is testing orange juice imports for a fungicide, carbendazim, that's banned in the United States! Carbendazim is a toxic pesticide that is known to cause liver cancer, may harm male fertility and can cause birth defects. So, should juice cartons, in supermarkets, now carry a sign that says; WARNING: OJ may be hazardous to your health?
"The FDA has zero records of testing for this(carbendazim); dating back to the early 90's," according to Dr. Gary Ginsberg, toxicologist at Yale School of Public Health. "Carbendazim can cause liver cancer, birth defects and damage to male reproductive organs," Ginsberg says.
But, according to the FDA(U.S. Food & Drug Administration), the orange juice drinking public has nothing to worry about. "The FDA does not consider the low levels of carbendazim, in orange juice reported to the agency, to present a public health risk." Import sampling began January 4, 2012.
Not all experts agree that all orange juice is safe for consumption. The two major U.S. companies that produce orange juice are Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. The manufactured brands in question include Minute Maid, Simply Juice and Tropicana. And, surprisingly, more orange juice and orange juice concentrate, consumed in this country, actually comes from Brazil!
"Since the mid-80's, Brazil has surpassed growing more juice oranges than Florida," says Dr. Alissa Hamilton, orange juice researcher. Carbendazim is a legal fungicide(pesticide) spray in Brazil and when essential oils are extracted from the peels of juice oranges, it is highly likely that the fungicide seeps into the juice.
According to the Juice Products Association(JPA), orange juice is safe. "Juice producers are committed to safety and quality and they take many steps before, during and after processing to assure the safety of the juice they make."
So, how did we get here? And, what can we do to protect our health and the health of our families?
"The juices in question are made with fruit that is grown in other countries," says Dr. Mehmet Oz, Emmy Award winning host of The Dr. Oz Show and acclaimed cardiac surgeon. "These countries do not have the same regulations as we do and often allow substances, in the processing, that US government agencies have banned."
6 Tips To Protect Yourself Against Toxic Juice Products:
- Pay close attention to the juice packaging – this is where you’ll find information on the juice’s country of origin.
- Look for apple juice made with apples from the US only. You may also want to start choosing organic apple juice to ensure you get the purest product.
- Look for orange juice made only with oranges grown in the US.
- Look for 100% USDA certified organic orange juice on the label. If it says 100% certified organic, it’s not allowed to have any non-organic ingredients (it must be 100%, the label “organic” alone does not ensure this).
- Eat whole fruit – it’s healthier than drinking juice as it has more fiber and no additives. Better yet, choose organic whole fruit. Always wash fruit before eating it.
- Juice your own. Whether you use an electric juicer or a hand-press juicer, making your own juice allows you the savor the true flavors of fresh juice and enjoy the nutritional benefits that can get lost in the processing and shipping of commercially produced juice.
As a consumer, you have the power to influence the safety standards of the foods and beverages your families consume. Take charge of your health. It's up to you!
"Living Well...one healthy step at a time"
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