Schumer: Juice Needs National Standard For Arsenic
ALBANY, N.Y. (1010 WINS/AP) --After TV's Dr. Mehmet Oz drew attention to arsenic levels in apple juice last week, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer of New York is calling for the Food and Drug Administration to adopt standards of arsenic in juice.
Schumer says the rising amount of foreign juice prompts the need, especially since 60 to 70 percent of pear and apple juice concentrates come from China.
"The FDA has protected Americans from harmful chemicals in our food supply," Schumer said. "Unfortunately, other countries, like china, don't take food safety as seriously as we do."
Oz said lab testing found what he suggested were troubling levels of arsenic. While the FDA found no raised levels in the batch Oz used and Oz himself said the juice was safe, Schumer is taking every precaution.
"Also, we're asking that the FDA provided greater inspection of imported juice concentrates from China, which uses toxic inorganic arsenic in their pesticides and has high level of contaminates."
The FDA has monitored arsenic in juice for years and has issued an "import alert" that requires foreign sellers to prove their juice is safe.
LISTEN: 1010 WINS' Terry Sheridan reports on Schumer's call for arsenic standards
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