FDA Considers Setting Guidance or Other Level for Inorganic Arsenic in Fruit Products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released an open letter to consumer advocacy groups who voiced their concern over arsenic levels in fruit juices and other fruit products. The agency explains that it “is seriously considering setting guidance or other level” for inorganic arsenic in apple juice. As of now, there is no federal threshold for inorganic arsenic in juice—only a limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb) for public and bottled water. The FDA is also revisiting whether its level of concern for total arsenic in juice (23 ppb) is stringent enough.
 
“Testing food and drinks for arsenic levels can be complicated by the fact that arsenic has different forms, and some of those forms are more dangerous than others,” states Joseph Frasca, Senior VP at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we offer arsenic speciation testing to determine what type of arsenic is in the sample—the organic form or the inorganic one, which is a harmful carcinogen.
 
“EMSL Analytical is one of the few laboratories in the country with the capabilities to perform the speciation of arsenic and other substances, while the majority of other companies often outsource their work,” he continues.
 
EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers arsenic and other metals speciation testing for a variety of samples, including juices, food products, drinking water, and other consumer products.
 
For more information on EMSL’s testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services to professionals and the general public. In addition, the company offers a large variety of air sampling equipment, sampling cassettes, and monitoring equipment. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please visit our website for a complete listing of accreditations.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior VP

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com