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Children's Food Project – Annual report – 2019

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Summary

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) uses a number of different monitoring programs for chemical residues and contaminants in food to ensure that the food supply is safe and compliant with Canadian standards. The Children's Food Project (CFP) complements these activities by specifically collecting information on chemical residues and contaminants in manufactured foods frequently consumed by, and targeted to, infants and children. Because of their smaller body weight, their development and growth, and their consumption patterns this group may be at higher risk from exposure to these chemicals.

The main objectives of the 2019 CFP were to:

Previous years have analyzed pesticides, metals/elements, veterinary drug residues, aflatoxin M1 and environmental contaminants.

In the 2019 CFP, a total of 298 samples of infant and toddler foods were purchased in the Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec areas in August and September, 2019. These samples included:

All samples were analyzed for pesticide residues. Metals/elements were tested in all samples except for dairy-based infant formula (as these were tested in the previous year). Dairy-based infant formula was analyzed for melamine.

The overall compliance rate of the infant and toddler food samples tested for pesticides was 99.7%. 230 out of a total of 298 samples tested did not contain any detectable pesticide residues. 1 sample was not compliant with Canadian regulations and was evaluated by Health Canada (HC), but was not considered a safety risk.

Approximately 53.4% of the 251 samples tested did not contain detectable levels of metals/elements of concern (arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury). At the time of this survey, there were no maximum levels (MLs) for metals/elements set by HC for the products tested. The levels of metals/elements were reviewed by HC and none of the levels were considered a safety risk.

Of the 47 dairy infant formula samples tested, only 1 sample (2.1%) contained a detectable level of melamine of 0.258 ppm which is below the ML of 0.5 ppm.

Data obtained from surveillance programs like the CFP are useful in the assessment of the dietary exposure of Canadian children to pesticide residues, veterinary drug residues, metals/elements, aflatoxin M1, and other chemical contaminants (for example, melamine) in infant foods. All data was reviewed by HC and no health risk was identified to Canadian infants and toddlers in any of the foods tested.

What is the children's food project

The CFP began in 2003 to look at levels of pesticide residues and metals/elements in foods for infants and children. Because of their smaller body weight, their development and growth, and their consumption patterns, this group may be at higher risk from exposure to these chemicals.

The CFIA uses a number of different monitoring programs to ensure that the food supply is safe and compliant with Canadian standards. The CFP complements these activities by specifically collecting information on domestically produced and imported manufactured foods frequently consumed by and targeting children (for example, infant formula, cereal-based products, fruit juices and beverages). Together, the data from these programs help health authorities assess potential exposure to chemical residues and contaminants in a number of foods consumed by Canadian children.

The main objectives of the 2019 CFP were to:

What did we sample

In total, 298 domestic and imported infant foods were sampled from retail stores located in Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec in August and September, 2019. Of the 298 samples, 150 were labelled as organic. Both imported and domestically-produced foods were sampled with 72 products manufactured in Canada, 178 imported from other countries and 48 products from an unknown country of origin.

Table 1: Breakdown of products sampled in 2019
Infant food Number of domestic samples Number of import samples Number of samples from unspecified origin Table Note a Total number of samples
Infant cereals 12 36 0 48
Fruit and vegetable purees 24 55 19 98
Infant/toddler snacks (for example, cookies, puffs, bars) 20 41 17 78
Dairy-based infant formula 1 46 0 47
Yogurt 10 0 6 16
Yogurt beverages 5 0 6 11
Total 72 178 48 298

Table Notes

Table Note a

Unspecified refers to those samples for which a country of origin could not be assigned from the product label or available sample information

Return to table note a  referrer

Sampling limitations

Due to the limited number of samples and products analyzed, care must be taken when interpreting these results. Regional differences, impact of product shelf-life, storage conditions, or cost of the commodity on the open market were not examined in this survey. Samples were tested as sold, which means the product was tested as is and not prepared according to package instructions.

How were samples analyzed and assessed

Analytical testing for the various types of analytes was performed by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited food testing laboratory under contract with the Government of Canada.

Pesticide analysis

The samples were tested for a range of pesticide residues which are commonly used in farming to control insects, fungus, and weeds. Phenoxy herbicides, glyphosate and diquat/paraquat were not tested in dairy-based infant formula samples. A summary of the pesticide residues analyzed can be found in Appendix A.

Metal/Elemental analysis

Many metals or elements are present in food due to their natural occurrence in the environment, but they could also be present due to the use of pesticides, agricultural chemicals, environmental contamination or processing. The focus of this report will be on 4 elements of primary concern to human health, which are:

Melamine analysis

Dairy-based infant formula samples were tested for melamine. Melamine is not permitted as a food ingredient, however, low levels of melamine can be found in food due to its use in pesticides and fertilizers or other industrial purposesFootnote 1.

Assessment of results

All results from samples tested in this survey were evaluated against Canadian standards established by HC. Compliance is assessed against the established tolerances available when the survey was carried out. For pesticides, the maximum residue limit (MRL) is the maximum amount of residues that is expected to remain in or on food products when a pesticide is used according to product label directions. For metals/elements and melamine, the ML is the maximum level of a contaminant that could safely remain in food products.

Canadian pesticide MRLs are listed in the maximum residue limit databaseFootnote 2 published on the HC website. In the absence of an MRL, pesticide residues must comply with the general MRL of 0.1 ppm as stated in section B.15.002 (1) of the Food and Drug RegulationsFootnote 3.

MLs for metals/elements in food are found in the list of contaminants and other adulterating substances in foodsFootnote 4. At the time of this survey, HC did not have established MLs for arsenic, cadmium, mercury or lead for any of the products tested in this survey. HC reviews all metals results from the CFP to determine if there is any health risk to infants and children.

The ML for melamine in infant formula is 0.5 ppm found on Health Canada's maximum levels for chemical contaminants in foodsFootnote 5.

What were the results

Pesticides

All 298 samples taken as part of the survey were tested for pesticides. No detectable levels of pesticide residues were found in 77.2% of the infant foods tested (230 samples). The results from the remaining 68 samples were 98.5% compliant with Canadian regulations. Only 1 sample (cookies) was unsatisfactory for pesticides. MGK-264, also known as zengxiaoan, was found in 1 sample with a level of 0.873 ppm, which exceeds the general MRL of 0.1 ppm. It is commonly mixed with pyrethrins or pyrethroid insecticides to increase their effectivenessFootnote 6. This sample was followed up by Operations and no other product was affected. Company procedures were reviewed and were compliant. The result was reviewed by HC and determined to be safe for children and infants.

In this study, 150 of the 298 samples were labelled as "organic". There were no pesticide residues detected in 82.7% (124 samples) of organic products tested. All 26 remaining samples with detected levels of pesticide were below Canadian MRLs. All organic pesticide residue results were sent to the CFIA Organics office for review.

Metals/Elements

A total of 251 samples were tested for metals/elements and 53.4% did not have detected levels for arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury. Dairy infant formula samples were not tested for metals/elements in 2019 as this was tested in the previous year. All metal/element results were sent to HC's Bureau of Chemical Safety for review and samples were considered safe for children and infants.

A summary of metal/element results can be found in Appendix B.

Arsenic

Arsenic is an element that naturally occurs in the earth's crust and can be found as organic arsenic (compounds containing carbon atoms) and inorganic arsenic (free arsenic ions). In general, inorganic arsenic is more toxic to humans than organic arsenic. Long-term exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic is known to contribute to the risk of human cancer and can affect the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver, lungs and skinFootnote 7. For most Canadians, the primary source of exposure to arsenic is food, followed by drinking water, soil and airFootnote 8.

At the time of this survey, there were no MLs set for arsenic in rice or in infant foods. MLs for inorganic arsenic in polished (white) rice (0.2 ppm) and husked (brown) rice (0.35 ppm) were established after this survey was completedFootnote 4. HC will be adding a ML of 0.1 ppm for inorganic arsenic in rice-based foods intended for infants and young children as noted in the notice of proposalFootnote 9.

A total of 19.5% (49 samples) of samples had detected levels of total arsenic (includes both organic and inorganic forms). Results ranged from 0-0.33 ppm with highest levels in rice-based infant/toddler snacks.

Cadmium

Cadmium can be present in water and soil through the use of phosphate fertilizers or sewage sludge. Food grown in cadmium containing soils is the primary source of cadmium exposure in the general populationFootnote 10. Kidneys and bones are affected by cadmium toxicityFootnote 10.

A total of 34.7% (87 samples) of samples had detected levels of cadmium.

Lead

Lead exposure may occur from a number of environmental and food sources. Chronic exposure to low levels of lead can be harmful to human health. Lead occurs naturally in the environment and has many industrial uses, such as in mining, smelting and battery manufacturingFootnote 11. The greatest sources of a child's environmental exposure to lead are oral exposure from food and water along with ingestion of house dust and soil contaminated with leadFootnote 11.

A total of 7.6% (19 samples) of samples had detected levels of lead.

Mercury

Mercury is released naturally from rocks, soils and volcanoes. Industrial activities have also increased the amount of mercury in the environmentFootnote 12. Mercury contamination is a concern because it is toxic, persists in the environment, and can bio-accumulate in the food chain. The health effects of mercury depend on its chemical form (elemental, inorganic, organic), the route and level of exposureFootnote 12. Methylmercury is the more toxic organic form is easily absorbed and can cross the blood-brain barrierFootnote 12. Children and the developing fetus are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of methylmercury.

A total of 14.7% (37 samples) of samples had detected levels of mercury.

Melamine

Melamine is a synthetic chemical used for industrial purposes such as fertilizers, pesticides, cleaning products and resins and foam productionFootnote 1. Melamine is not allowed as a food ingredient, however, it can be found in food at low levels due to its use in industrial purposes and is not considered a health riskFootnote 1. Health effects from high levels of melamine can cause bladder stones and chronic kidney inflammation and more extreme cases can lead to kidney failure and deathFootnote 13. Exposure to low levels of melamine for long periods of time do not pose a significant health riskFootnote 13. Of the 47 dairy-based infant formula samples, only 1 sample (2.1%) contained a level of melamine of 0.258 ppm, which is below the ML of 0.5 ppm.

Conclusion

The results of the CFP were shared with HC and they determined that none of the samples tested posed a health risk to Canadian infants or children. Organic sample results were shared with the CFIA Organics office. There were no product actions or recalls resulting from this sampling and testing on the basis of health risk. The infant foods tested in this survey, whether domestically produced or imported, are safe for consumption.

CFIA is committed to ensuring a safe food supply for all Canadians, including the vulnerable populations such as infants and young children. In the coming year, pesticide residues, toxic metals/elements (arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead), veterinary drug residues and aflatoxin M1 will be examined in samples of cereals, infant/toddler snacks, fruit snacks, yogurts and puddings.

Appendix A: List of pesticides

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

V

Z

Appendix B: Metals results found in infant foods

Metal analyte Product type Total number of samples Total number negative Total number positive Minimum (ppm) Maximum (ppm) Mean (ppm)
Aluminum Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Aluminum Infant Food - Cereal 48 5 43 0 20.3 5.22
Aluminum Infant Food - Puree 98 14 84 0 4.82 1.36
Aluminum Infant Food - Snack 78 5 73 0 24.8 3.85
Aluminum Yogurt 16 13 3 0 7.19 0.55
Antimony Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Antimony Infant Food - Cereal 48 48 0 0 0 0
Antimony Infant Food - Puree 98 98 0 0 0 0
Antimony Infant Food - Snack 78 78 0 0 0 0
Antimony Yogurt 16 16 0 0 0 0
Arsenic Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Arsenic Infant Food - Cereal 48 31 17 0 0.183 0.02
Arsenic Infant Food - Puree 98 97 1 0 0.056 0.001
Arsenic Infant Food - Snack 78 47 31 0 0.33 0.03
Arsenic Yogurt 16 16 0 0 0 0
Beryllium Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Beryllium Infant Food - Cereal 48 48 0 0 0 0
Beryllium Infant Food - Puree 98 98 0 0 0 0
Beryllium Infant Food - Snack 78 78 0 0 0 0
Beryllium Yogurt 16 16 0 0 0 0
Boron Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Boron Infant Food - Cereal 48 0 48 0.63 11.4 2.10
Boron Infant Food - Puree 98 0 98 0.46 8.7 2.48
Boron Infant Food - Snack 78 2 76 0 9.67 1.81
Boron Yogurt 16 12 4 0 2.14 0.28
Cadmium Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Cadmium Infant Food - Cereal 48 13 35 0 0.049 0.02
Cadmium Infant Food - Puree 98 97 1 0 0.021 0.0002
Cadmium Infant Food - Snack 78 27 51 0 0.068 0.01
Cadmium Yogurt 16 16 0 0 0 0
Cadmium Chromium Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Cadmium Infant Food - Cereal 48 18 30 0 0.29 0.10
Cadmium Infant Food - Puree 98 83 15 0 0.34 0.02
Cadmium Infant Food - Snack 78 64 14 0 0.25 0.03
Cadmium Yogurt 16 16 0 0 0 0
Copper Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Copper Infant Food - Cereal 48 1 47 0 7.6 3.37
Copper Infant Food - Puree 98 82 16 0 1.9 0.21
Copper Infant Food - Snack 78 12 66 0 6.3 2.02
Copper Yogurt 16 14 2 0 2.1 0.23
Iron Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Iron Infant Food - Cereal 48 0 48 189 420 329.31
Iron Infant Food - Puree 98 18 80 0 12.2 3.40
Iron Infant Food - Snack 78 0 78 2.1 833 62.76
Iron Yogurt 16 14 2 0 7.6 0.86
Lead Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Lead Infant Food - Cereal 48 37 11 0 0.093 0.01
Lead Infant Food - Puree 98 97 1 0 0.015 0.0002
Lead Infant Food - Snack 78 71 7 0 0.04 0.0025
Lead Yogurt 16 16 0 0 0 0
Magnesium Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 67.2 123 100.15
Magnesium Infant Food - Cereal 48 48 0 405 2620 1274.58
Magnesium Infant Food - Puree 98 98 0 41.2 311 141.46
Magnesium Infant Food - Snack 78 78 0 35.7 2310 568.98
Magnesium Yogurt 16 16 0 98.7 374 149.86
Manganese Beverage - Yogurt 11 9 2 0 0.19 0.03
Manganese Infant Food - Cereal 48 0 48 4.45 58.6 24.97
Manganese Infant Food - Puree 98 0 98 0.22 5.78 1.48
Manganese Infant Food - Snack 78 2 76 0 57.8 11.81
Manganese Yogurt 16 7 9 0 3.04 0.50
Mercury Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Mercury Infant Food - Cereal 48 44 4 0 0.0015 0.00008
Mercury Infant Food - Puree 98 95 3 0 0.0049 0.00007
Mercury Infant Food - Snack 78 48 30 0 0.0065 0.00052
Mercury Yogurt 16 16 0 0 0 0
Molybdenum Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Molybdenum Infant Food - Cereal 48 1 47 0 3.66 1.02
Molybdenum Infant Food - Puree 98 93 5 0 0.29 0.011
Molybdenum Infant Food - Snack 78 7 71 0 2.32 0.45
Molybdenum Yogurt 16 15 1 0 0.15 0.0094
Nickel Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Nickel Infant Food - Cereal 48 2 46 0 5.25 1.27
Nickel Infant Food - Puree 98 34 64 0 0.353 0.092
Nickel Infant Food - Snack 78 11 67 0 1.51 0.39
Nickel Yogurt 16 13 3 0 0.212 0.028
Selenium Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Selenium Infant Food - Cereal 48 14 34 0 0.943 0.17
Selenium Infant Food - Puree 98 98 0 0 0 0
Selenium Infant Food - Snack 78 39 39 0 1.11 0.095
Selenium Yogurt 16 12 4 0 0.085 0.019
Tin Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Tin Infant Food - Cereal 48 48 0 0 0 0
Tin Infant Food - Puree 98 98 0 0 0 0
Tin Infant Food - Snack 78 76 2 0 0.57 0.015
Tin Yogurt 16 16 0 0 0 0
Titanium Beverage - Yogurt 11 11 0 0 0 0
Titanium Infant Food - Cereal 48 4 44 0 4.27 1.14
Titanium Infant Food - Puree 98 95 3 0 0.33 0.008
Titanium Infant Food - Snack 78 47 31 0 1.1 0.16
Titanium Yogurt 16 15 1 0 4.97 0.31
Zinc Beverage - Yogurt 11 0 11 2.65 5.42 3.70
Zinc Infant Food - Cereal 48 0 48 9.28 76.9 27.60
Zinc Infant Food - Puree 98 16 82 0 7.79 1.49
Zinc Infant Food - Snack 78 0 78 0.82 147 13.12
Zinc Yogurt 16 0 16 3.34 6.86 4.84
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