Arsenic and Harmful Toxins Found in Baby Food

Swedish researchers have found small amounts arsenic and other toxins found in the soil in leading brands of baby foods like Organix, Hipp, Nestle and Holle. However, manufacturers insist that these levels are so low that they do not pose a health risk. Arsenic is associated with the development of cancer and brain damage. Indiscriminate use of pesticides is responsible for the arsenic contamination of crops. Other metals and toxins like arsenic, cadmium, lead and uranium produced by heavy industry also find their way into the soil and food. But scientists and food campaigners are calling for efforts to eliminate the chemicals from these infant foods. They were particularly concerned about the high concentration of arsenic in rice-based foods as it is the most commonly used product for weaning. It was noted that when children were fed with these weaning foods twice a day it increased their exposure to arsenic twice as compared to that of breast milk. 2-years back when two types of poison were detected in rice milk, the Britain’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) had issued an official warning that young children should stop drinking rice milk because of arsenic contamination.

Researchers confirmed that none of the chemicals found were above the existing safety limits. But the European Food Safety Authority and the FSA will soon set new limits for arsenic in baby foods. British Specialist Nutrition Association, the trade body for baby food called for careful selection of the ingredients of baby foods to ensure lowest possible occurrence of these toxic elements.


Source-Medindia