The magazine 60 Millions de consommateurs analyzed 12 different oatmeal products in France.
The study included both organic and conventional varieties from well-known brands and supermarkets.
Findings in the analyses
The results show that no pesticides were found in the products. However, heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, and especially cadmium were detected.
According to the study, these substances occur naturally in the environment, but they can also result from human activity. Cadmium was found in all the tested products.
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A report from the French food safety authority Anses, cited by BFM, also shows that diet is the largest source of cadmium exposure.
It can account for up to 98 percent of total exposure among non-smokers.
Health risks
Authorities have set a limit on how much cadmium should be consumed per week.
The study shows that a daily portion of oatmeal can make up a large part of this limit, especially if other foods such as rice and chocolate are also consumed.
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Mycotoxins were also found in some products. These are substances produced by fungi that can affect the body with long-term intake.
Oatmeal can contribute to the body’s total intake of cadmium and other unwanted substances, even though it is often perceived as healthy.
Sources: BFM, 60 Millions de consommateurs, and Anses.
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