Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
A recent study conducted dietary exposure assessments of cadmium (Cd) from six common foods consumed in the United States, including rice, spinach, oats, barley, potatoes, and wheat. This research directly supports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Closer to Zero Action Plan, which seeks to address and reduce the risks associated with heavy metal contamination in food, particularly in those consumed by infants and young children. The study aimed to estimate cadmium exposure levels across different age groups, including infants and young children, and determine when exposures exceeded tolerable intake levels set by various global health authorities, including the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The findings highlight that children aged 6–60 months are at the highest risk, particularly when consuming rice, spinach, and other high-risk foods that readily accumulate cadmium.
Who is affected?
The findings impact a broad range of stakeholders, including manufacturers of processed foods, particularly baby food manufacturers, regulatory agencies, public health officials, and consumers. Manufacturers are directly affected, as they will need to comply with stricter cadmium safety standards for the foods consumed by vulnerable populations, especially infants and children. Public health officials are also key stakeholders, tasked with ensuring the enforcement of these standards. Populations most at risk include children aged 6–60 months, who have higher food intake relative to body weight and are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of cadmium, which can lead to kidney damage, neurotoxic effects, and other long-term health issues.
Most important findings
The study found that cadmium concentrations in foods like rice and spinach varied significantly, with spinach presenting much higher cadmium levels compared to rice. While rice’s cadmium levels were lower than regulatory thresholds set in the European Union and other regions, spinach regularly exceeded cadmium standards for leafy vegetables, with some samples containing more than 200 μg/kg. The study revealed that infants and young children who consumed these foods regularly had cadmium exposures that exceeded the maximum tolerable intake level set by the ATSDR. For example, for children aged 6–24 months, regular consumption of spinach led to cadmium exposures above the chronic oral minimal risk level (MRL) set by the ATSDR. Despite the overall lower exposure levels for the general population, certain food groups, particularly rice and spinach, contributed to higher cumulative exposure in children, raising concerns for food safety policy updates.
Key implications
The findings suggest a need for immediate regulatory adjustments to manage cadmium contamination in foods commonly consumed by children. For food manufacturers, the results underscore the importance of sourcing raw materials with lower cadmium concentrations, particularly from regions with higher contamination levels. The study’s findings align with growing concerns about cadmium in baby foods, prompting calls for stricter food safety standards and better monitoring of cadmium levels in food products. Public health implications are significant, as sustained exposure to cadmium can cause renal and neurotoxic effects in children. Regulatory bodies must establish stricter cadmium action levels for a broader range of foods, including leafy vegetables and cereals, which are major sources of exposure. The study also suggests that future regulations should focus on cumulative cadmium exposure from various food sources, rather than regulating individual foods in isolation.
Citation
Pokharel, A., & Wu, F. (2023). Dietary exposure to cadmium from six common foods in the United States. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 178, 113873. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2023.113873
Cadmium is a persistent heavy metal that accumulates in kidneys and bones. Dietary sources include cereals, cocoa, shellfish and vegetables, while smokers and industrial workers receive higher exposures. Studies link cadmium to kidney dysfunction, bone fractures and cancer.
