France has been told to cut down on national delicacies such as croissants and baguettes due to a higher risk of developing cancer.
The Food Safety Agency (ANS) recommends French people to limit the consumption of these much-loved products due to a potentially lethal ingredient.
The fertilizers used during the production process are said to contain high levels of cadmium.
This chemical element was classified as a carcinogen in 2012.
Often used in industrial farming, it has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
In particular, excessive consumption can lead to pancreas, bladder, prostate and breast cancer, as well as osteoporosis and heart and kidney damage.
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Geraldine Carney, ANSES expertise coordinator, said: “If current risk levels are maintained and no action is taken, long-term adverse effects on the population are likely to be greater.
“Limit consumption of sweet and salty wheat products, such as breakfast cereals, cakes, biscuits.”
Researchers studied various potential sources of cadmium exposure, including food, water, air, dust, soil, cosmetics, and smoking.
They found that in the non-smoking population, up to 98 percent of the risk was due to diet.
Not surprisingly, tobacco was the second major source of this chemical.
In French cuisine, some of the major sources of cadmium are breads, pastries and cakes, as well as breakfast cereals, pasta, rice and potatoes.
“France’s levels are three or four times higher than other countries like Belgium, England and Italy,” Carney said. franceinfo.
About half the French population is thought to have been exposed to dangerous levels of the carcinogenic metal.
What is Cadmium?
- Cadmium is a naturally occurring heavy metal found in the Earth’s crust, often released into the environment through industrial processes and fertilizers.
- It can be absorbed by crops grown in contaminated soil.
- Main ingredients like wheat, which is used to make everyday foods like baguette and croissants, can absorb cadmium.
- Long-term exposure to high levels of cadmium can be harmful.
- However, for most people, a balanced diet ensures that cadmium intake remains within safe limits.
Terming the situation “alarming”, ANSES has urged the French government to significantly reduce the maximum cadmium levels allowed in phosphate fertilizers.
The current permitted level in France is 90mg/kg.
This is very different from other European countries which have limits below 60 mg/kg.
To combat the increased risk, the public has been urged to include more legumes – such as chickpeas and lentils – in their diets.
It is also recommended that people eat a variety of foods sourced from different regions.
This will help in avoiding repeated exposure to harmful substances.
