Occurrence and determination of inorganic contaminants in baby food and infant formula. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Paiva, Esther Lima; Morgano, Marcelo Antônio; Arisseto-Bragotto, Adriana Pavesi
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in food science. Volume 30(2019)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Food -- Microbiology -- Periodicals; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Food -- Periodicals; Food -- Research -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Food -- Biotechnology; Food -- Microbiology; Food -- Analysis; Food; Food -- Research; Nutrition; Food Technology -- Periodicals; Food Analysis -- Periodicals; Food Microbiology -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 641.3
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2019.05.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-7993

Abstract

Highlights: Contaminants such as cadmium, arsenic, and lead can be present in baby foods. Children, babies, and toddlers are more vulnerable to these toxic elements. The toxicity of metals can be discussed in terms of chronic or acute exposition. Inorganic contamination in infant food is related to water, soil, and ingredients. Abstract : Inorganic contaminants, including those commonly known as 'heavy metals' (cadmium, arsenic, lead and mercury) and others like aluminum, copper, zinc, and nickel, may be present in baby foods such as infant formulas, cereals, snacks, prepared meals, and jarred fruits and vegetables. Children, babies and toddlers are more vulnerable to these toxic elements due to their immature development and high 'food intake/body weight' ratio. The most important adverse effects of inorganic contaminants for infants include: anemia, nephrotoxicity, developmental, and reproductive toxicity, lower intelligence quotient (IQ), and neurotoxic effects. As this topic represents a relevant food safety issue, this article aims to review recent data about the occurrence of inorganic contaminants in baby foods, regulatory aspects, exposure assessment, as well as analytical methods for their determination. The available information reinforces the importance of standardizing routine quality control and reducing inorganic contaminants levels in infant formula and baby foods.