Apple Juice

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Apple Juice

 

Apple juice is one of those wholesome food products parents used to give their children without even considering it might be unhealthy. But, in recent decades, a couple of issues have surfaced that made consumers think twice about aloowing unlimited amounts of undiluted apple juice to be served in sippy cups.

 

 

The most immediately dangerous concern was exposed in 1996, when non-pasteurized fresh apple juice caused about 70 people in the Western U.S. to become sick with the E. coli virus. One child even died from complications with E. coli. But that problem is just with non-pasteurized juice -- if you stick with pasteurized apple juice the threat of E. coli is virtually eliminated. What pasteurization doesn’t eliminate, however, is patulin, which is a contaminant that occurs naturally in a mold that’s commonly found in apples. If apple juice manufacturers use rotten apples, there’s a higher chance of patulin being present in the juice. Animal studies have shown that repeated, chronic exposure to patulin can cause health problems, such as damage to unborn fetuses and harm to the body’s immune system. The good news is that just last year the U.S. Food and Drug Administration implemented new safety guidelines for juice manufacturers to ensure safe levels of patulin in juices. Large manufacturers had to comply with the regulations in 2002. Small companies must get with the program this year; and “very” small producers have until next year to comply. Concern about safe patulin levels in apple juice has mostly been on behalf of children from 1 to 2 years of age. Such little kids are often given apple juice because its low acidity is easy for them to tolerate, and they like the juice’s sweetness. The risk of negative effects from consuming apple juice with previously acceptable patulin levels is low -- even for such young consumers. However, many experts say a good precaution is to dilute the juice with water before giving it to your child. You can’t assume that apple juice contains vitamin C. If you want vitamin C in your apple juice, be sure to check the label.