Swedish Researchers Allegedly Find Arsenic in Baby Foods

A forthcoming study has allegedly identified “high levels” of arsenic in
rice-based baby foods, as well as elevated levels of iron, molybdenum and
manganese in infant formula. Karin Ljung, et al., “High concentrations of essential and toxic elements in infant formula and infant foods – A matter of concern,” Journal of Food Chemistry, August 2011. According to media
sources, researchers from the Unit of Metals and Health at Karolinska Institute
in Stockholm tested leading baby food brands for toxic and essential
elements, finding that the samples contained more micrograms of arsenic
and other toxins than occurs in breast milk. “These elements have to be kept at an absolute minimum in food products intended for infant consumption,” warned the study authors, who also noted that “[d]rinking water used to mix powdered formula may add significantly to the concentrations in the readymade products.”

Meanwhile, the British Specialist Nutrition Association has publicly refuted
the significance of the findings, telling reporters that its members “carefully
select and control their ingredients as well as the baby food.” In addition, the
researchers apparently confirmed that none of the identified toxins exceeded
safety thresholds, which are currently under review by both the U.K. Food
Standards Agency and European Commission. See The Daily Mail, April 11,
2011.