Dr. Mehmet Oz reported on his TV show that apple juice may contain unacceptable levels of arsenic in it. The FDA, that bastion of government “efficiency” when it comes to protecting the U.S. consumer, disagreed:

The FDA was quick to contest the report, saying that all apple juice sold in stores is safe. The agency said the testing was inaccurate because Oz tested for both organic arsenic, which is not harmful, and also inorganic arsenic. The results of testing for both combined, according to the agency, led to the conclusion of levels being dangerously high.

The FDA sent a letter to The Dr. Oz Show saying that “we have advised you that the test for total arsenic DOES NOT distinguish inorganic arsenic from organic arsenic.”

“The FDA believes that it would be irresponsible and misleading for The Dr. Oz Show to suggest that apple juice contains unsafe amounts of arsenic based solely on tests for total arsenic,” the letter also stated.

But then along came Consumer Reports which did its own study—and basically agreed with Dr. Oz. The FDA came up with its own rationalization of its original report after Consumer Reports agreed with Dr. Oz. You can read the entire controversy here in order to make up your own mind.