FDA sets limits on arsenic levels in baby cereals but advocacy groups demand stricter actions to protect kids
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set limits to control arsenic content in infant rice cereals. Appreciating the move, an advocacy group has called for more aggressive actions to shield children from the toxic effects of arsenic.
“We’ve known for years that arsenic is found at troubling levels in infant rice cereals and can pose serious health threats to babies regularly exposed to it,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy for Consumer Reports, the advocacy group that fought for these regulations. “The FDA’s action is an important first step, but the agency needs to be far more aggressive in protecting young children from the dangers of arsenic and other heavy metals in food," he added in a statement. Exposure to the chemical can damage the baby's developing brain. It is also linked with cancers in the bladder, lung, and skin and other conditions such as skin lesions, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, studies have suggested.
Arsenic levels tend to be higher in rice
Arsenic is present in soils. Rice is capable of taking up the element from soil and water. As a result, the chemical is present at higher levels in rice than other cereals such as wheat and barley. "It is typically grown under flooded conditions, which increase the potential for arsenic uptake," the FDA wrote in its report.
Unlike adults, infants have a less varied diet and commonly consume rice cereals. This makes them particularly vulnerable to the chemical. Previously, an analysis by the advocacy group detected arsenic in varying levels in more than 60 rice and rice products, including worrisome quantities in infant cereals. They have also found heavy elements such as lead and cadmium. Against this backdrop, the FDA has asked manufacturers to limit arsenic levels in baby rice cereals. Under the guidance, the element should not exceed beyond 100 parts per billion (ppb) which is very close to the 90 ppb limit recommended by Consumer Reports (CR). Reaching the level can be achieved under current good manufacturing practices.
"The action level of 100 μg/kg or 100 ppb is intended to reduce the possible risks of neurodevelopmental and other health effects," the FDA said. Another advocacy group also voiced similar concerns. The FDA’s 100 ppb “action level” is not a protective, health-based limit for babies, Healthy Babies Bright Futures, wrote on its website. "The FDA’s announcement is a step towards ensuring that babies’ brains are protected from exposure to harmful chemicals, but it is not a large enough step,” Charlotte Brody, National Director of Healthy Babies Bright Futures, said in a statement.
They hope this is just the first step in the direction of limiting arsenic levels in baby rice food. “Parents can take several steps to limit their child’s exposure to heavy metals in food, but they should be able to expect that the government is putting public health first,” said Dr Michael Hansen, senior scientist for Consumer Reports. “The FDA should set protective targets for reducing exposure to heavy metals with the goal of having no measurable levels in children’s food.”