New Cadmium research aids the FDA Action Plan aimed at reducing heavy metals in foods by estimating the American population’s Cadmium exposures in food.
The analysis looks at age groups and consumption patterns of certain high-risk foods. The researchers found that the age groups 6–24 months and 24–60 months old are the most highly exposed to Cadmium in common foodstuffs.
Cadmium is a naturally occurring metal that finds its way into crops through atmospheric deposition from smelting operations, mining, combustion, sludge, landfills and water sources. At sufficient levels of exposure, it can damage the kidneys and lead to some cancers.
American infants and young children of these age groups who regularly consumed rice, spinach, oats, barley, potatoes and wheat had mean Cadmium exposures exceeding limits set by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The research identifies risk estimates by age groupings and supports the development of commercial food for children. Mitigation options for reducing metals in the food supply are also a focus of the research.
To learn more about the IAFNS work in Food and Chemical Safety – including that focused on heavy metals click here.