Three-quarters of baby rice products contain dangerous levels of arsenic, a study shows. Researchers found illegally high amounts – which breach EU limits – in 73 per cent of products in supermarkets. Consuming too much arsenic can lead to developmental problems, heart disease, diabetes and nervous system damage, as well as raising the risk of certain types of cancer. The study calls into question the effectiveness of the EU rules brought in only last year to reduce the chemical
present in products such as rice cakes and drinks. Professor Andy Meharg, who led the study at Queen’s University Belfast, said: ‘It shows babies are exposed to illegal levels of arsenic despite the EU regulation to specifically address this health challenge. ‘Babies are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of arsenic that can prevent the healthy development of a baby’s growth, IQ and immune system to name but a few.’ READ MORE
