There has been growing concern over the level of arsenic in canned foods. Arsenic is a toxic substance that can lead to a range of health problems including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
With the rise in popularity of canned foods, it is important to understand the risks associated with consuming them.
The dangers of arsenic
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is found in the Earth’s crust. It can be found in water, air, and soil. Arsenic is highly toxic and can cause serious health problems if consumed in high amounts.
Long-term exposure to arsenic has been linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
The problem with canned foods
Canned foods have been found to contain higher levels of arsenic than other types of food. This is because arsenic is often found in the water that is used to grow crops.
Crops that are grown in areas with high levels of arsenic in the water can absorb the toxin and pass it along to consumers. When crops are processed into canned foods, the arsenic levels can become even higher.
Which canned foods are most at risk?
There are some types of canned foods that are more likely to contain arsenic. Rice-based products, such as rice cakes and rice cereals, have been found to contain high levels of arsenic.
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Other canned foods that may contain arsenic include canned fruit and vegetables, canned tuna, and canned meats.
How to reduce your risk
There are several steps that you can take to reduce your risk of consuming high levels of arsenic in canned foods. These include:.
- Choose fresh, whole foods instead of canned foods whenever possible
- Look for canned foods that are labeled as “low in arsenic”
- Rinse canned fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating
- Limit your intake of rice-based products
- Choose canned tuna that is low in mercury, as mercury can also be toxic in high amounts
The FDA’s response
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized the potential health risks associated with arsenic in canned foods. In 2013, the FDA established a limit for the amount of inorganic arsenic that can be in apple juice.
However, the FDA has yet to set limits for other types of canned foods.
The verdict
While there is no need to panic about consuming canned foods, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with them. By following the steps outlined above, you can reduce your risk of consuming high levels of arsenic.
It is also important to advocate for stricter guidelines and regulations from the FDA to protect consumers from dangerous substances in their food.
