News >
RE: Concerns Regarding Arsenic and the Safety of Apple Juice
We are aware of the recent media attention questioning the safety of apple juice
and claims by independent consumer groups on the presence of arsenic in 100% apple
juice. Please be assured that at Country Pure Foods, juice safety is our top priority.
The company has an experienced operations team and extensive quality programs in
place to meet this commitment to our customers.
To assure the safety and consistent quality of our products, an approved supplier
program is utilized. Raw materials, including fruit juices can only be purchased
from approved suppliers. Before gaining approval, supplied products are thoroughly
analyzed by highly qualified contract laboratories. Analyses include tests for microbiological
organisms, fruit juice authenticity, pesticide residues, arsenic and other heavy
metals. Once approved; random analysis is conducted to ensure product safety and
supplier compliance to Country Pure Foods specifications. Country Pure Foods operates
in compliance with the FDA Code of Juice Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point
(HACCP) Systems. Under the HACCP regulations, all processes, ingredients, and packaging
are evaluated.
In addition to our internal programs, Country Pure Foods works closely with the
Juice Products Association (JPA) to stay abreast of new developments and assure
the continual safety of juice products in the U.S. marketplace. Based upon thorough
scientific evaluation and risk assessment, the FDA has established a specific level
of concern for arsenic in apple juice at 23 parts per billion (ppb) and a recommended
maximum level for lead in fruit juice at 50 ppb.
It is important to note that
none of the juice samples tested by Consumer Reports exceeded the 23 ppb level of
concern for arsenic or the maximum level for lead in fruit juice. We adhere
to the rigorous standards of the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure the
safety of food products, and require our suppliers to follow appropriate agricultural
practices to safeguard all juice products.
As a company, we at Country Pure Foods have set ourselves the following targets:
- To offer for sale products which consistently satisfy the consumer and are
perceived as quality and value for the money
- To provide outstanding service and products which at least meet customer
expectations and are significantly better than any competitive alternative
- To produce products which are safe, legally compliant with all Federal and
State regulations and meet all our customers' requirements
At Country Pure Foods, we are committed to providing safe and nutritious fruit juice
products and we support the ongoing scientific research to ensure the quality and
safety of all fruit juice.
Raymond K. Lee
President & CEO
Please review these additional resources:
Juice Products Association Responds to Consumer Reports Article
http://www.juiceproducts.org/jpa-statement-on-apple-juice-2.html
Juice Products Association Answers Questions Regarding Apple Juice Safety
http://www.fruitjuicefacts.org/apple-juice-facts.html