VIDEO | Contaminants in staple cereals

Arsenic has been shown to be a major contaminant of rice. Compared to other crops, rice has an unusual efficiency to absorb arsenic.

Global regulatory authorities have been slow to regulate arsenic levels in rice and rice-based products. It is especially concerning that South African regulations do not define a maximum limit for arsenic in rice-based infant foods specifically.

This is because arsenic-related health effects are exacerbated by early-life exposure, and rice-based infant cereals are highly popular due to their low allergic potential and high palatability. Therefore, the health of this vulnerable population group – whose food choices are usually not their own – may be at risk.

Listen to our recent SAAFoST presentation, presented by Shannon Russouw.

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