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Arsenic In Food

February 17, 2012 by · Comments Off on Arsenic In Food 

Arsenic In Food, Last fall, it was apple & grape juice. Now arsenic has been found in more food – this time, organic foods.

They are foods many think are super-healthy. The government says the levels of arsenic found in them are small, but worth watching.

Dartmouth College researchers say some products made with organic brown rice syrup contain arsenic.

They tested several widely-consumed foods – child formulas, cereal & energy bars, and “energy shots” used by athletes.

Out of 17 baby formulas tested, arsenic was found in 2 toddler formulas– Baby’s Only Organic Dairy and Baby’s Own Organic Soy Formula.

One had 6 times the federal limit for arsenic allowed in drinking water.

There are no federal standards for arsenic in food. Arsenic has been used in pesticides and fertilizer. Brown rice may have more of it than white rice, because it tends to settle in the portion of the rice grain removed when brown rice is polished to become white rice.

The FDA acknowledges there are trace amounts in many foods, and says it has expanded its surveillance of rice. The agency has a study underway to determine the level and types of arsenic typically found in the products. That study is due to be completed this spring.

Some studies show the toxin in high levels ingested over time can lead to cancer.

ABC News Chief Medical Editor, Dr. Richard Besser says this study is worrisome.

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