Would You Like Some Poison With That Apple Juice?

There is growing evidence that arsenic and lead levels in apple and grape juices sold in the U.S. are dangerously high. Arsenic is a known carcinogen, and both arsenic and lead have been linked to developmental problems. In recent studies, long term arsenic exposure was linked to poor scores in language, memory, and other brain functions, as well as diminished intelligence.

Bottom line:  this is not something you want to put in your body. The problem is, juice makers are denying a problem, and no one is disclosing the arsenic or lead levels on the labels so you can make an informed decision. That needs to change.

TV's Dr. Oz raised concerns about arsenic levels in apple juice back in September, and since then, Consumer Reports has done an extensive study of 88 products, finding numerous products that contain more lead or arsenic than the FDA allows in our drinking water. Check out the Consumer Reports' story and findings here. The fact that kids drink a lot of the juice being sold in this country is cause for even greater concern, particularly when long term health effects are considered.

I am currently investigating these cases, and actively seeking information from consumers regarding these poison-laced products. If you want to discuss your situation with me, please get in touch.

Gerber Graduates Juice Treats - You Oughta Be Ashamed!

Gerber Graduates Juice Treats, a product "for preschoolers", according to its label, contains bright pictures of fresh fruit on its label: oranges, grapes, raspberries, peaches, pineapple, cherries. To further the impression that this product is a healthy and natural fruit smorgasbord, the label also says "FRUIT MEDLEY" in bold blue letters, followed by this list:

natural cherry, grape, orange, pineapple, peach and raspberry flavors with other natural flavors

Sounds yummy and healthy, to boot, right?

Well, not so much. These "Treats" - despite plain language on the label to the contrary - apparently contain NO ORANGE, NO CHERRY, AND NO PINEAPPLE AT ALL. NONE. NADA. ZIP. Instead, the treats contain less than two percent raspberry and apple juice concentrate. The main ingredients? Corn syrup and sugar.

Vita Breath - Get the Lead Out!

I'm not sure what lead will do for your breath, but it is certainly not good for your health. Today, the FDA issued a warning to consumers and healthcare professionals not to consume Vita Breath, a dietary supplement manufactured by American Herbal Lab because the product may contain hazardous levels of lead. Tests conducted by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found 1,100 parts per million of lead, which is more than 10,000 times higher than FDA's maximum recommended level for lead in candy. This also violates California's more stringent labeling guidelines.

How Do I Deceive Thee?...Let Us Count The Ways.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest has recently released a report detailing the many ways in which food labels are misleading. It is no surprise to us, but it is interesting to note some of the problems they describe.

FDA Says: "What's Good for the Goose..."

Well, I am filled with chagrin. Just a little.

You may recall that a couple of summers ago, I praised Pom Wonderful for going after a competitor who advertised its fruit juice deceptively by claiming it contained more or different fruit than it really did. They won that case, standing on the important principle that the claims a company makes in its advertising ought to be truthful. Well, that was then, and this is now.

On February 23, 2010, the FDA issued a warning letter to Pom Wonderful for what the FDA says are "serious violations" of federal drug and food labeling laws. The FDA says, basically, that all the health claims Pom Wonderful makes on its websites mean the product is being used and marketed as a drug to treat, cure, or prevent diseases, and since it has not been approved for those purposes by the FDA, the advertising claims are unlawful.