People may have been surprised to find out this week that apple juice contains arsenic, but scientists say that many foods contain trace levels of compounds that sound scary but are virtually harmless at low levels.
"Arsenic is something we all take in," said ABC News' chief health and medical correspondent, Dr. Richard Besser. "We take in small amounts of a lot of things that if you take in large quantities are dangerous, but in small amounts aren't."
Besides arsenic, the Food and Drug Administration keeps tabs on a variety of chemicals and compounds that are present in small amounts in foods.
Dioxins, chemical compounds that come from burning fuels and waste incineration, can be found in trace levels in foods with animal fats, like meat, fish and dairy products.
Acrylamide, a chemical linked to cancer and nerve damage with high exposure, accumulates in small, harmless amounts in potato or grain products when they are fried, roasted or baked.
Fish and shellfish are safe to eat, even though they certain types contain mercury.
Even bananas contain low levels of radioactive potassium.
The FDA says that consumers are in no danger from these compounds and should eat a balanced diet made up of many foods.
Dr. David Acheson, who directs food and import safety for Leavitt Partners, said it's important to understand how much of those compounds is safe to consume.
"If you analyze food down to the molecular level, you'll find many things that are really scary if you take them literally," Acheson said. "It's not just the presence or absence of a compound that's important, but the levels at which they are present."
Dr. Mehmet Oz caused a stir last week by saying on his national program, The Dr. Oz Show, that many popular brands of apple juice contain arsenic. Scientists and the FDA agree that apple juice does contain arsenic, but add that the element is present in such small amounts that it is harmless.
"Arsenic is something we all take in," said ABC News' chief health and medical correspondent, Dr. Richard Besser. "We take in small amounts of a lot of things that if you take in large quantities are dangerous, but in small amounts aren't."
Besides arsenic, the Food and Drug Administration keeps tabs on a variety of chemicals and compounds that are present in small amounts in foods.
Dioxins, chemical compounds that come from burning fuels and waste incineration, can be found in trace levels in foods with animal fats, like meat, fish and dairy products.
Acrylamide, a chemical linked to cancer and nerve damage with high exposure, accumulates in small, harmless amounts in potato or grain products when they are fried, roasted or baked.
Fish and shellfish are safe to eat, even though they certain types contain mercury.
Even bananas contain low levels of radioactive potassium.
The FDA says that consumers are in no danger from these compounds and should eat a balanced diet made up of many foods.
Dr. David Acheson, who directs food and import safety for Leavitt Partners, said it's important to understand how much of those compounds is safe to consume.
"If you analyze food down to the molecular level, you'll find many things that are really scary if you take them literally," Acheson said. "It's not just the presence or absence of a compound that's important, but the levels at which they are present."
Dr. Mehmet Oz caused a stir last week by saying on his national program, The Dr. Oz Show, that many popular brands of apple juice contain arsenic. Scientists and the FDA agree that apple juice does contain arsenic, but add that the element is present in such small amounts that it is harmless.
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