When you think of cadmium, toxic metal, chocolate immediately comes to mind, especially the dark one, which in recent years has often been subject to checks due to the presence of this contaminant. But the cadmium is not only found in chocolate, it can in fact be present in several other foods and even in objects of everyday use.
As he remembers 60 Millions de Consommateursthe calls of products contaminated by Cadmio are growing, reporting a wider problem than you think. In fact, consider that even small quantities assumed constantly over time can be harmful, because this metal tends to accumulate in the body. It is therefore good to know what to pay attention to.
In addition to cigarettes and professional exposure, food represents the main source of cadmium for the population.
It is a chronic exhibition: every day we ingest Cadmio, which tends to accumulate in the body. It takes from 10 to 30 years to eliminate almost half of the substance absorbed without further hiring – explains Géraldine Carne, coordinator of scientific advice at the Anses.
Because the cadmium is dangerous
Cadmio is a heavy metal naturally present in the land, whose concentration can increase due to agricultural and industrial activities. It is absorbed by plants and can contaminate the water and soil, thus entering the food chain.
It is highly toxic to the human body. Once ingested or absorbed, it slowly accumulates in the kidneys, liver and bones, because the body struggles to eliminate it. Chronic exposure to Cadmio is associated with numerous health problems, including kidney damage, osteoporosis, bone fragility, and an increased risk of some tumors. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, since cadmium can interfere with bone and reproductive development.
Even relatively low levels, constantly taken over time, may have negative health effects. For this reason, European health authorities carefully monitor the presence of cadmium in foods, cooking utensils and children’s products.
In which foods is the cadmium
For adults, the main food sources of Cadmio are crustaceans, molluscs, frattaglie, cocoa, chocolate, cereals and oil seeds. The European legislation establishes precise thresholds that must not be exceeded, and annual checks show that 99.7% of the samples analyzed complies.
The calls on cereals, for example, are rare: in 2023 only two cases were recorded concerning rice. But, as the French Ministry points out, the frequency of references depends on the type of controls and does not necessarily mean that the exposure is negligible.
The quantity consumed then plays a crucial role: if the friars can contain more cadmium, they are less consumed than bread, pasta and cereal bars, which while containing levels within the limits can represent a significant source of daily exposure.
The objects that contain cadmium
Few people know that cadmium is not only present in food. Jewels for children, dishes and glasses can overcome the authorized limits and become a risk to health, both by direct contact with the skin and if the substances migrate to food.
In 2023, about 17% of the products analyzed by the DGCCRF (the French body that deals with competition, consumer protection and controls on the compliance of the products), between costume jewelery and watches was not compliant, and five ceramic samples intended for contact with food have been recalled.
The European legislation on materials in contact with food, among other things, will be revised in 2028, with the aim of updating the safety limits based on new knowledge on the toxicity of cadmium and lead.
How to reduce exposure
Despite the spread of this heavy metal, there are concrete precautions that can be adopted to reduce exposure. Experts of 60 Millions de Consommateurs they recommend that:
