Understanding Arsenic: What it's in, what are the risks, and why you should test.
Consumers are paying more attention than ever to the foods they eat. With recent media reports about arsenic in oats, rice, and baby foods, more eyes are on producers to ensure their goods are safe for consumers.
Arsenic is a heavy metal that occurs naturally and can be a by-product of manufacturing and production. Naturally occurring arsenic levels are generally very low, but there are dangers of arsenic exposure in greater amounts. The exact amount naturally present can vary based on the region, environmental practices, industrial practices, and more.
However, it is important to note that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors and regulates levels of arsenic and other heavy metals in consumer goods. Companies within the Food and Dietary Supplement space need to be aware of these federal requirements to deliver safe, high-quality foods.
Arsenic in Foods
Arsenic is an element found naturally in soil, rocks, ground water, and from volcanic activity. Additionally, Arsenic is also released into the water, soil, and air during manufacturing. Through soil, water, and air contamination arsenic can enter the food supply. Proper supplier verification and ingredient selection are imperative for the quality of food products.
Research has revealed that arsenic is present in many common foods, including certain vegetables, mushrooms, rice, and rice-based products, such as baby food (Upadhyay, et al., 2019). Additionally, the World Health Organization reports that arsenic can be present in the water used for drinking and crop irrigation in some parts of the world.
According to Dartmouth University, fruits and fruiting vegetables (such as tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and cucumbers contain very little arsenic, while root vegetables, such as beet, carrots, and potatoes, contain arsenic mainly in the peel. Juices are likely to contain more arsenic than their whole fruit counterpart, say an apple compared to apple juice, because the apple juice is more concentrated given that the fiber and other fruit parts have been removed.
Two types of arsenic can be present in foods: organic and inorganic.
Organic Arsenic
Organic arsenic is a naturally occurring compound that contains carbon. According to the World Health Organization, seafood is a source of organic arsenic as many oceanic animals and plants can produce organic arsenic. However, organic arsenic is rapidly eliminated from the human body, so poses less risk.
Inorganic Arsenic
Inorganic arsenic is a naturally occurring compound that does not contain carbon but contains different elements, such as oxygen. It is typically found in soil, groundwater, and industrial waste. This type of arsenic is considered to be more toxic than organic arsenic.
When exposed to inorganic arsenic through oral or topical exposure, the body converts the inorganic arsenic into dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). DMA is also found in poultry, grains, and some fruit. DMA in urine and other public health biomonitoring efforts help researchers understand the level of exposure and health effects of inorganic arsenic.
The body can also break down inorganic arsenic into Monomethlyarsonic acid (MMA), which is generally considered toxic, though exact levels are still unknown. In research from Kuivenhoven and Mason in 2021, it was suggested that some slight health risks are associated with arsenic exposure levels that produce >50 µg/L in total urinary levels.
Efforts to Reduce Arsenic Exposure
As part of the effort to manage arsenic in the food supply, the FDA is working on a new initiative, Closer to Zero, which aims to establish maximum values for arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in baby food, infant formula, and cereals. In addition, the FDA performs routine monitoring on certain food products that may contain arsenic, with priority placed on foods consumed by infants and children, such as rice-based products and apple juice.
The efforts of the FDA and their food industry partners center on limiting consumer exposure to arsenic to the greatest possible extent. Historically, arsenic exposure has been low, with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finding that an estimated 95% of the US adult population was below the daily exposure levels of (0.3 µg/kg/per day) recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2008. Keeping arsenic exposure levels below appropriate thresholds is an ongoing priority for the government and industry.
Proposition 65 and Arsenic
Proposition 65 (Prop 65) is a California law that requires businesses to label products if the product contains certain chemicals, such as arsenic. Any business selling products in California must use a prop 65 label if their product contains any of the 900 chemicals that can cause congenital disabilities, cancer, and reproductive harm.
Prop 65, and the laws surrounding the labels, warn consumers about products that may increase their exposure to chemicals such as arsenic. Consumers can use a prop 65 warning on a product label as a bellwether to if a product is safe for their family or not. For food producers, professional testing to identify any prop 65 chemicals is necessary to meet regulatory mandates and consumers' needs for transparency.
Professional Testing Is Essential to Manage Arsenic Levels in Foods
Arsenic is all around us as a naturally occurring element and product of industry, but exposure to too much arsenic can cause cancers, congenital disabilities, and other ill health effects. As food producers, we have a responsibility to manage the potential arsenic exposure for our consumers.
By testing for arsenic and other heavy metals, you can ensure consumers feel good about the products they are purchasing and using. You can partner with the Eurofins network of ISO 17025 accredited laboratories for comprehensive analytical testing to support food safety plans, meet regulations, and help verify your products meet Prop 65 standards.
