Illegal levels of inorganic arsenic in baby food

50% of baby rice food products still contain an illegal level of inorganic arsenic, British researchers say. In January 2016, the EU imposed a maximum limit of inorganic arsenic on manufacturers in a bid to mitigate associated health risks. Researchers at the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast have found that little has changed since this law was passed.

Professor Meharg, lead author of the study and Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences at Queen’s, said, “This research has shown direct evidence that babies are exposed to illegal levels of arsenic despite the EU regulation to specifically address this health challenge. Babies are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of arsenic that can prevent the healthy development of a baby’s growth, IQ and immune system to name but a few.”

Rice has, typically, 10 times more inorganic arsenic than other foods and chronic exposure can cause a range of health problems including developmental problems, heart disease, diabetes and nervous system damage.

The research findings, published in the PLOS ONE journal, compared the level of arsenic in urine samples among infants who were breast-fed or formula-fed before and after weaning. A higher concentration of arsenic was found in formula-fed infants — particularly among those whose dietary requirements required non-dairy formulas (for wheat or dairy intolerance), which includes the favoured rice-fortified formulas.

The weaning process further increased infants’ exposure to arsenic, with babies five times more exposed to arsenic after the weaning process, showing up the clear link between rice-based baby products and exposure to arsenic.

Rice and rice-based products are a popular choice for parents, widely used during weaning, and to feed young children, due to its availability, nutritional value and relatively low allergic potential.

In this new study, researchers at Queen’s also compared baby food products containing rice before and after the law was passed and discovered that higher levels of arsenic were in fact found in the products since the new regulations were implemented. Nearly 75% of the rice-based products specifically marketed for infants and young children contained more than the standard level of arsenic stipulated by the EU law.

“Products such as rice cakes and rice cereals are common in babies’ diets. This study found that almost three-quarters of baby crackers specifically marketed for children exceeded the maximum amount of arsenic,” explained Professor Meharg.

Previous research led by Professor Meharg underlined how a simple process of percolating rice could remove up to 85% of arsenic. He added, “Simple measures can be taken to dramatically reduce the arsenic in these products so there is no excuse for manufacturers to be selling baby food products with such harmful levels of this carcinogenic substance.” He continued, “Companies should publish the levels of arsenic in their products to prevent those with illegal amounts from being sold. This will enable consumers to make an informed decision, aware of any risks associated before consuming products containing arsenic.”