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BY KERRY LEARY

ANCHOR EMILY SPAIN

Some juicy updates surfaced Wednesday regarding a new Consumer Reports study about arsenic in apple juice.

10 percent of the juices tested had arsenic levels that exceed the federal standards for bottled and municipal water. NBC has more.

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE: “How serious of a threat is this, what is the threat of children regarding arsenic?”
CONSUMER REPORTS RESEARCHER: “What we’re talking about here is not acute health effects they’re chronic health effects- we’re talking about cancer risks and so the fact that ten percent of our samples exceeded the drinking water level standard, it underscores the need for a standard to be set in juices because one doesn’t exist right now.”

TV personality Dr. Oz made the original claim about arsenic in apple juice in September when he completed his own study with an independent lab. That led to lots of media criticism. But now, Dr. Oz’s claim has been vindicated.  ABC reports:

DR. BESSER: “How can you do testing in just one lab without getting those results confirmed by other labs? No good scientist would ever do that kind of work.”
REPORTER: “It was a fierce debate that started with this dramatic statement from Doctor Oz:”
DR. OZ: “Some of the best known brands in America have arsenic in their apple juice.”
REPORTER: “Our own Doctor Besser fired back, saying research done by the FDA showed the arsenic found in some juices was harmless.”

Now, ABC’s Dr. Besser is changing his stance: this morning he told Good Morning America he is less reassured now about the FDA’s statements because of the new Consumer Reports findings. The L.A. Times notes:

“Most of the arsenic found was inorganic, and the study speculates that sources could come from tainted soil. Although insecticides containing lead and arsenates have been banned in the U.S...some companies use apple juice concentrates from countries such as China where arsenic-tainted soil could be a problem as well.”

The report also says the results are especially troubling because children are more susceptible due to their size- and the fact that they drink so much juice. A writer for Gather thinks this may be a red flag to start changing some habits.

“Evidence such as this makes home juicing and following a whole foods diet even more appealing. By growing or purchasing organic produce and juicing at home, consumers know exactly what they're drinking.”

The FDA says its reviewing its data to determine whether they should set guidelines for arsenic levels in juice. In the meantime, Consumer Reports recommends that parents limit how much juice their children drink.

Transcript by Newsy.