The European Union (EU) has imposed a maximum limit of inorganic arsenic on manufacturers of baby food to mitigate associated health risks last 2016. However, a new research from the Queen's University Belfast shows that 50 percent of manufacturers still do not comply.

Foremost, rice has ten times more inorganic arsenic than other foods. Chronic exposure can then lead to a range of health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and nervous system ailments. Moreover, proper child development - physical or intellectual - is also at stake.

Alarmingly, per Science Daily, experts at the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen's University Belfast warn people about the little change that happened since the EU has set the arsenic limit. Until now, a lot of people produce and consume excessive non-living arsenic every day. Additionally, children under the age of five are more susceptible than adults because they eat three times more than the latter.

A Queen's University Belfast instructor, Professor Meharg, noted that babies may develop growth delays, IQ dullness, and weak immune system. Products such as rice cakes and rice cereals, which are both common diets for a baby, contain high levels of inorganic arsenic. The study also reveals that three-quarters of crackers for children exceeded the arsenic limit.

In the research, per Belfast Telegraph, the experts used 31 types of rice meal, 29 packs of rice cakes, and 13 types of baby rice. All of these samples came from 17 different shops in the area. The Belfast scientists later concluded that 80 percent of rice crackers, 61 percent of baby rice, and 32 percent of rice cereals ignored the regulations. The researchers also examined the level of the harmful toxin in urine samples from babies who either breastfed or formula-fed.

Lastly, the experts said that "manufacturers should be held accountable" for selling products that do not meet the required EU limit. Consequently, companies should always publish the levels of arsenic in their products to prevent the situation. It will also allow parents to make an informed decision before buying and consuming any product. Below is a video of the Top 10 healthy baby food recipes from Howcast:

Topics EU, European Union