Baby Food Contains Toxic Metals at Unsafe Levels, Study Warns
Researchers testing 77 infant food products found arsenic and cadmium concentrations that exceed safe intake limits for babies under one year old. The findings challenge industry standards and raise questions about quality control in a rapidly commercializing sector with limited oversight.
Originaltitel: Estimating daily intakes of toxic metals and essential elements from infant formula, gruel, porridge and ready-to-eat baby food
The commercial production of infant food is undergoing rapid development, but control is limited. This study measured several toxic and essential elements in 77 food products intended for infants (<1 year). Concentrations of toxic metals in infant formulas were generally low, but cadmium and cobalt were higher than in breast milk, as were iron, manganese and selenium concentrations. Elevated arsenic in a rice-based dairy- and gluten-free porridge (3.2 μg/portion) and cadmium in some porridges (~1 μg/portion) raise concern. Further, manganese in gruels and porridges with ~1 mg/portion (not fortified), and even formulas (~0.1 mg/portion; fortified) reached concerning exposure levels, especially if mixed with water containing manganese. Estimated intake of inorganic arsenic (median 1.7 μg/day, excluding fish) and cadmium (median 3.4 μg/day) from mixed foods at 9 months of age exceeded health-based guidance values. Continued control of contaminants and additives in infant food and evaluation of related health risks are warranted. • Toxic metal concentrations in infant formula were generally low but with variations. • Arsenic and cadmium intake from baby food may exceed tolerable intake levels. • One portion of a rice-based porridge alone exceeded the tolerable intake of arsenic. • Manganese intake easily exceeds recommended levels and may exceed the safe level. • Lead concentrations in formula were lower than reported breast milk concentrations.