Not so juicy juices

OPINION > LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Add Comment | Comments: 1 | Posted Jan. 5, 2012

To the Editor:

Arsenic is a poison contained in apple and grape juices, a mainstay for children. Doctors and scientists agree we must reduce America’s exposure to these potent toxins, which can cause cancer, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and attacks to the immune system. The U.S. has banned arsenic as a pesticide spray for crops, but foreign countries have not.

Most apple juice concentrate comes from China where there is high arsenic concentration in the groundwater. Some arsenic remains in American soil from prior years.

There are two issues. The government subsidizes farmers to grow crops, so why are U.S. companies purchasing arsenic laden apple concentrate from foreign countries? The other issue is the FDA has known about this problem for years, but has yet to set any standards. Isn’t it the consumer that they’re paid to protect? The World Health Organization says arsenic could cause high blood pressure and reproductive problems.

It’s a fantasy to believe there is such a thing as safety standards for taking poison. Stop fooling the American people.

Carlo Gonnella
South Philadelphia

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