The commercial production of infant food is undergoing rapid development, but control is limited. This study measured several toxic and essential elements in 77 food products intended for infants (<1 year). Concentrations of toxic metals in infant formulas were generally low, but cadmium and cobalt were higher than in breast milk, as were iron, manganese and selenium concentrations. Elevated arsenic in a rice-based dairy- and gluten-free porridge (3.2 μg/portion) and cadmium in some porridges (~1 μg/portion) raise concern. Further, manganese in gruels and porridges with ~1 mg/portion (not fortified), and even formulas (~0.1 mg/portion; fortified) reached concerning exposure levels, especially if mixed with water containing manganese. Estimated intake of inorganic arsenic (median 1.7 μg/day, excluding fish) and cadmium (median 3.4 μg/day) from mixed foods at 9 months of age exceeded health-based guidance values. Continued control of contaminants and additives in infant food and evaluation of related health risks are warranted. • Toxic metal concentrations in infant formula were generally low but with variations. • Arsenic and cadmium intake from baby food may exceed tolerable intake levels. • One portion of a rice-based porridge alone exceeded the tolerable intake of arsenic. • Manganese intake easily exceeds recommended levels and may exceed the safe level. • Lead concentrations in formula were lower than reported breast milk concentrations.
Gustin et al. (Sun,) studied this question.