A recent Consumer Reports study found concerning levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead in many kids' fruit juices. If consumed daily for long periods of time, this can be dangerous to both children and adults.
The group tested 45 fruit juices sold nationwide, including grape, apple, pear, and fruit blends; in more than half, elevated levels of those three elements, also known as heavy metals, were found. According to TODAY, some of the juice boxes most popular with kids were among the ones impacted.
While these metals are naturally occurring and found in many foods, the climbing levels of metal pose a serious threat. According to CR's Chief Scientific Officer James Dickerson, Ph.D., even small amounts of consumption could see consequences. "In some cases, drinking just 4 ounces a day—or half a cup—is enough to raise concern," he says.
With roughly 74 percent of children drinking at least one serving of juice daily, the dangerous metals can have detrimental effect during their developmental years, chairperson of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Council Jennifer Lowry, M.D. tells Consumer Report. But that doesn't leave parents out of the picture either.
“Heavy metals are things that can cause a variety of ailments in children and adults—everything from neurological issues to cancer," Dickerson tells the show: "We certainly want to ensure that the industry continues to do a better job to reduce the presence of these in the products that we buy."
Juice manufacturers have the ability to lower these risks simply by changing how they source raw fruit, as well as their techniques for processing and packaging the juice, Dickerson continues.
The investigation included countless beloved brands, like Whole Food's 365 Everyday Value, Juicy Juice, Honest Kids, Minute Maid, Welch's, and more.
You can read the full report here.
