Skip navigation

Food Standards Agency

Sunday 21 March 2010

Business campaign

AZ-Directory What's New

Survey of metals in weaning foods and formulae for infants – additional information on inorganic arsenic and methyl mercury levels

Wednesday 9 May 2007

Food Survey Information Sheet 03/07

Summary

The Food Standards Agency published the results of a survey of the concentrations of 15 metals and other elements in a wide range of commercial weaning foods and formulae for infants in September 2006 (FSIS 17/06). A linked research project investigating the levels of inorganic arsenic, methyl mercury and the different chromium species present in a new set of samples of certain brands of weaning foods has now been completed.

The assessment of infants’ exposures from these elements in these foods has now been revised.

Back to top

Key Facts

Inorganic arsenic and methyl mercury levels were measured in fresh samples of certain commercial weaning foods included in the 2006 survey.

Levels of total arsenic and mercury in weaning foods were similar to those measured in the 2006 survey and were in all cases within permitted regulatory limits.

Estimated inorganic arsenic and methyl mercury intakes have been compared with relevant safety guidelines, and the 2006 estimated exposure assessment has been revised, confirming that measured levels do not give concern for the health of infants.

Back to top

Related links

FSIS 03/07: Survey of metals in weaning foods and formulae for infants (May 2007) Read the Food Survey Information Sheet

Download pdf  (pdf 162KB)

See also

FSIS 17/06: Survey of metals in weaning foods and formulae for infants Read the Food Survey Information Sheet

Download pdf  (pdf 205KB) (External) Get Adobe Acrobat reader You may need the free Acrobat Reader to view a pdf

Tell a Friend

Printer friendly

Contact us

Get alerts

Our Sites

Find out what our other sites have to offer

Change Text Only Settings

Graphic version of this page