Occurrence and determination of inorganic contaminants in baby food and infant formula

Author(s)

de Paiva, Esther Lima ^{[1, 2]} ; Morgano, Marcelo Antonio ^[2] ; Arisseto-Bragotto, Adriana Pavesi ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Fac Food Engn, UNICAMP, Rua Monteiro Lobato 80, BR-13083862 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Inst Food Technol ITAL, Ave Brasil 2880, CP 139, BR-13070178 Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE; v. 30, p. 60-66, DEC 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

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. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/11334-8 - Study of the total content and bioaccessibility of aluminum in baby foods
• Grantee: Marcelo Antonio Morgano
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants