The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported finding low levels of fungicide carbendazim in orange juice headed for U.S. supermarkets, but assured the public the juice remains safe to drink.
After being alerted by Coca Cola, the owner of Minute Maid and Simple Orange brands of orange juice, that certain juice from Brazil had tested positive for the fungicide in January, FDA initiated testing of all orange juice imports, regardless of origin.
The fungicide, which is used to combat unsightly mold, is not allowed in the United States, but used widely elsewhere. The United States has a carbendazim tolerance for several fruits, but not orange juice.
“FDA is continuing to ensure that orange juice in the United States does not pose a safety concern due to the presence of carbendazim residues,” the agency said in an update Thursday. “Based on all results we have seen to date, we remain confident that orange juice in the U.S. may be consumed without concerns about its safety due to the possible presence of such residues.”
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