High Arsenic Levels Detected in Baby Rice Food Products

Introduction

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 have found that little has changed since this law was passed and that 50 percent of baby rice food products still contain an illegal level of inorganic arsenic.

Main Digest

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, ten 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.

As babies are rapidly growing they are at a sensitive stage of development and are known to be more susceptible to the damaging effects of arsenic, which can inhibit their development and cause long-term health problems. Babies and young children under the age of five also eat around three times more food on a body weight basis than adults, which means that, relatively, they have three times greater exposures to inorganic arsenic from the same food item.

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 who were fed non-dairy formulas which includes rice-fortified formulas favoured for infants with dietary requirements such as wheat or dairy intolerance. The weaning process further increased infants' exposure to arsenic, with babies five times more exposed to arsenic after the weaning process, highlighting the clear link between rice-based baby products and exposure to arsenic.

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 percent 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.

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.

Professor Meharg explained:

"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."

Previous research led by Professor Meharg highlighted how a simple process of percolating rice could remove up to 85 percent of arsenic. Professor Meharg adds: "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."

"Manufacturers should be held accountable for selling products that are not meeting the required EU standard. 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."

Related Information

• Call for Changes in Drinking Water Standards: Most of the current secondary maximum contaminant levels implemented by the EPA are more than 50 years old.
• Water Wells in US and Canada Tainted by Arsenic: Naturally occurring arsenic in private wells threatens people in many U.S. states and parts of Canada.
• Future Conflicts Over Water Sources Inevitable: UN report warns without new water-related investments societies worldwide will confront rising desperation and conflicts over the essential resource.
• Baby Formula Higher Arsenic Than Breast Milk: Study of urinary arsenic in babies found formula-fed infants had higher arsenic levels than breast-fed infants, and breast milk contained very low arsenic concentrations.
• Organic Food May be Source of Dietary Arsenic: Concentrations of arsenic in commercial food products containing organic brown rice syrup including infant formula, cereal energy bars, and high energy foods used by athletes.
• Arsenic Groundwater Poisoning in Asia: Scientists offer solutions to arsenic groundwater poisoning in southern Asia.
• Groundwater Pollution and Radiation Contamination in Cemeteries and Local Communities: Information regarding toxic chemicals used in the burial process that can cause environmental contamination and groundwater pollution.

Attribution/Source(s):

This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Queen's University Belfast, and published on 2017/05/05 (Edit Update: 2024/06/22), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, Queen's University Belfast can be contacted at qub.ac.uk. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.

Related Publications▶ Share This Page

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Queen's University Belfast. (2017, May 5 - Last revised: 2024, June 22). High Arsenic Levels Detected in Baby Rice Food Products. Disabled World. Retrieved September 12, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/fitness/nutrition/foodsecurity/bf-arsenic.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/fitness/nutrition/foodsecurity/bf-arsenic.php">High Arsenic Levels Detected in Baby Rice Food Products</a>: Institute for Global Food Security finds 50% of baby rice food products still contain an illegal level of inorganic arsenic.

Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.