Discovered high levels of arsenic in baby formula

The researchers highlighted the situation as "particularly worrying for babies" because of their vulnerability to the toxic effects of arsenic.

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• High contents of arsenic, carcinogenic chemical commonly found in rice, were found in several types of cereals and infant formula milk. Special Photo

Atlanta, United States. - High contents of arsenic, carcinogenic chemical commonly found in rice, were found in several types of cereals and formula milk for babies who use organic brown rice syrup as a sweetener, according to a Dartmouth College study released today.
The report, Published in Journal Environmental Health Perspectives, found that two of the 17 baby formulas which were tested had organic rice syrup as main ingredient and in one case the arsenic concentration level exceeding six times the limit federal.
The government sets a limit 10 parts per billion (ppb) and total arsenic in bottled water or consumption.
The researchers highlighted the situation as "particularly worrying for babies" because of their vulnerability to the toxic effects of arsenic on the relationship between their size and weight and the amount of arsenic consumed.
Also, the study found that 22 of 29 cereal bars or energy bars tested had organic brown rice syrup as a sweetener, rice flour, rice grains or rice flakes among its top five ingredients.
The researchers also analyzed the level of arsenic in energy drinks (in English, "energy shots") and found that one of the three varieties had a total of 84 ppb of arsenic, while the other 2 reached 171 ppb.
The study highlights the need for greater regulation as to the limits of this chemical in food due to the increasing prevalence of hidden arsenic in food.
A recent Consumer Reports study also found elevated levels of arsenic in apple and grape juices.
New legislation introduced in the House of Representatives of the United States last week, seeks to establish limits on levels of arsenic and lead in fruit juices.