Arsenic in Motts?

A couple nights ago I had dinner with a friend while our wives were shopping until they dropped.  We were on baby-sitting duty.  While at our friendly neighborhood Burger King, I finished up my two kids' meals with the usual Motts applesauce.  Before they finished a gentleman approached.  "Excuse me, sir.  I couldn't help but notice that you are feeding your kids Motts applesauce.  I recently found out that Motts contains over twice the FDA limit of arsenic.  You can research it on the web.  It's true!  I just thought I should tell you."  This good Samaritan was doing me a favor.  He had some information he deemed important to the safety and well-being of my two pre-schoolers and did not withhold it.  For his kindness I am very grateful.

In response to his concern I have done some research on the web.  I have discovered some interesting arsenic information, which I will now share with you.

First, this gentleman was right.  There is arsenic in Motts apple products.  Apparently, the scare started a few months ago by none other than Dr. Oz, the popular TV doctor.  Chicks dig him, but that's another story.  Dr. Oz's findings can be found at http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-oz-investigates-arsenic-apple-juice.  Incidentally, Oz found that Motts was not the only juice containing arsenic, nor does it contain the highest levels of said element.

Interesting stuff, eh?

Second, and more to the point, does this mean I should steer clear of Motts applesauce for my kids?  The FDA did a follow up study on this very question and found that there is NO apparent danger to the public related to arsenic levels in apple juice and by my assumption, apple sauce.  This research can be read at http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm271394.htm.  

There are plenty of opinions flying around the web on this subject. Perform a Google search on arsenic in apple juice and you will find plenty of material to feast upon.  It should come as no surprise to you that you find many people choosing to boycott Motts.  Some of them find it unacceptable that Motts would import apple concentrate from China, while others feel confirmed in their belief that all non-locally grown foods are suspect.  Grow it yourself, they say.

For me, this issue is now closed.  I will continue to allow my children and myself to consume Motts apple sauce.  It tastes good.  In fact it is better than the other brands I have tried.  The FDA has promised on their own website that they are monitoring arsenic levels and have been for several years.  Until they deem it necessary to take action on the issue, I see no reason to grow my own orchard.