T96-14 Lawrence Bachorik
Feb. 26, 1996 (301) 827-6242
FDA INVESTIGATES UNDECLARED SWEETENER IN APPLE JUICE
We are receiving inquiries about the presence of an undeclared
sweetener in apple juice on the U.S. market. FDA knows of no
health hazards associated with the presence of this sweetener --
hydrolyzed inulin syrup -- in apple juice products. However, the
agency is investigating the potential for economic fraud and the
accuracy of labels on these products. The following may be useful
for answering questions.
Manufacturers of products labeled as apple juice recently
reported to FDA that an apple juice concentrate imported from
Europe and widely used in the U.S. industry contains the sweetener
hydrolyzed inulin syrup. This ingredient apparently was
substituted in part for apple juice concentrate before being
imported into the United States.
The agency knows of no health risks to consumers posed by
hydrolyzed inulin syrup. This sweetener is a high-fructose syrup
derived from inulin, a form of fiber that occurs naturally in many
plants including asparagus. Hydrolyzed inulin syrup is composed
predominantly of fructose identical to that found in fruits.
Products sold and labeled as apple juice must be 100 percent
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Page 2, T96-14, Apple Juice
apple juice. Products that fail to declare the additional
ingredient or an accurate percentage of juice violate federal food
law.
FDA and the U.S. apple juice industry are analyzing domestic
and imported samples of apple juice, concentrate and products made
from apple juice concentrate for the presence of hydrolyzed inulin
syrup. FDA has been informed by several manufacturers, who are
analyzing their own samples, that they will voluntarily withdraw
apple juice products that violate Federal law. The agency will
consider regulatory action against any violative apple juice
products that remain in distribution.
If apple juice contains hydrolyzed inulin syrup, it may be
relabeled appropriately and sold legally as long as all ingredients
are listed and the percentage of juice in the product is declared
accurately on the label.
FDA will intensify its monitoring of imported apple juice
concentrate and apple juice products sold on the U.S. market. The
agency has contacted European authorities about the problem. It is
also working with U.S. manufacturers and distributors to identify
any additional apple juice products that violate Federal law and to
keep the products off retail shelves.
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This is a mirror of the page at http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/ANS00715.html