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Children's Food Project – Annual report 2020

Children's Food Project – Annual report 2020 (PDF – 1,773 kb)

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 collecting information specifically 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 2020 CFP were to:

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

In the 2020 CFP, a total of 175 samples of children's foods were purchased in Halifax, Nova Scotia in October, 2020. These samples included:

All samples except for yogurt/yogurt beverages were analyzed for pesticide residues and metals/elements (as these were tested in the previous year for pesticide residues and metals/elements). Yogurt/yogurt beverage and pudding samples were tested for aflatoxin M1 and veterinary drug residues.

The overall compliance rate of the children's food samples tested for pesticides was 99.3%. 75 out of a total of 135 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 48.9% of the 135 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.

There were no detectable levels of aflatoxin M1 in any of the 76 yogurt/yogurt beverage and pudding samples tested.

2 samples of yogurt had very low levels of veterinary drug residue out of the 76 samples tested. All samples had a 100% compliance rate for veterinary drug residues.

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 2020 CFP were to:

  • collect data and assess the compliance of infant foods to Canadian standards for residues of pesticides, veterinary drugs and metals/elements
  • collect data on aflatoxin M1 levels in yogurt/yogurt beverages and pudding

What did we sample

In total, 175 domestic and imported infant foods were sampled from retail stores located in Halifax, Nova Scotia in October, 2020. Of the 175 samples, 29 were labelled as organic. Both imported and domestically-produced foods were sampled with 53 products manufactured in Canada, 96 imported from other countries and 26 products from an unknown country of origin.

Table 1: Breakdown of products sampled in 2020
Infant food Number of domestic samples Number of import samples Number of samples from unspecified origin Table Note a Total number of samples
Cereal – children's 5 40 5 50
Fruit snacks 1 15 4 20
Granola/cereal bar 15 6 8 29
Pudding 0 35 1 36
Yogurt/yogurt beverage 32 0 8 40
Total 53 96 26 175

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

All samples except for yogurt/yogurt beverages were analyzed for pesticides as these were tested in the previous year. Samples were tested for a range of pesticide residues which are commonly used in farming to control insects, fungus, and weeds. A summary of the pesticide residues analyzed can be found in Appendix A.

Metal/elemental analysis

All samples except for yogurt/yogurt beverages were analyzed for metals/elements as these were tested in the previous year. 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:

  • arsenic
  • cadmium
  • lead
  • mercury

Veterinary drug analysis

Yogurt/yogurt beverage and pudding samples were tested for residues of a variety of veterinary drugs, which can be administered to food-producing animals. Some drugs are administered to individual animals to treat specific diseases, while others are administered to groups of animals, usually through medicated feed or water, to prevent or treat disease or to promote growth. The veterinary drugs analyzed in samples are listed in Appendix B.

Aflatoxin M1 analysis

Aflatoxins are natural compounds released by Aspergillus molds. These molds thrive in hot, humid climates and are not typically detected in Canadian crops. Aflatoxin B1 has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as causing cancer in humansFootnote 1. When dairy cows are fed aflatoxin-contaminated feed, aflatoxin B1 is converted to aflatoxin M1, which is transferred to the milk. Animal studies have shown that aflatoxin M1 causes cancer in the same way as aflatoxin B1Footnote 1, Footnote 2, Footnote 3. For this reason, dairy-based yogurt/yogurt beverages and pudding samples were analyzed for aflatoxin M1.

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, 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 4 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 5.

MLs for metals/elements in food are found in the list of contaminants and other adulterating substances in foodsFootnote 6. 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.

Canadian MRLs for veterinary drug residues in foods of animal origin (meat, milk, eggs and honey) are published in the List of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for Veterinary Drugs in Food on HC's websiteFootnote 7. In the absence of an MRL or proposed MRL for a veterinary drug, the CFIA deems any food product containing a residue at or above the Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) to be non-compliant.

What were the results

Pesticides

A total of 135 samples were tested for pesticides. No detectable levels of pesticide residues were found in 55.6% of the infant foods tested. The results from the remaining 60 samples were 98.3% compliant with Canadian regulations. Only 1 sample (children's cereal) was unsatisfactory for pesticides. Methoprene was found in 1 sample with a level of 0.151 ppm, which exceeds the general MRL of 0.1 ppm. It is commonly added to insecticide products because it is an insect growth regulatorFootnote 8. It prevents insects from reaching growth stages such as developing into adults and preventing egg growthFootnote 8. The result was reviewed by HC and determined to be safe for children and infants.

In this study, 29 of the 175 samples were labelled as "organic". Of the 29 samples, 22 were tested for pesticides. There were no pesticide residues detected in 81.8% (18 samples) of organic products tested. All 4 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 135 samples were tested for metals/elements and 48.9% did not have detected levels for arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury. 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 C.

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)Footnote 9. 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 10. For most Canadians, the primary source of exposure to arsenic is food, followed by drinking water, soil and airFootnote 10.

At the time of this survey, MLs for inorganic arsenic in polished (white) rice (0.2 ppm) and husked (brown) rice (0.35 ppm) were established in July, 2020Footnote 6. 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 11.

A total of 81.5% (110 samples) of samples did not contain detected levels of total arsenic (includes both organic and inorganic forms). Results from positive samples ranged from 0-0.308 ppm with highest levels in rice-based cereals.

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 12. Kidneys and bones are affected by cadmium toxicityFootnote 12.

A total of 62.2% (84 samples) of samples did not contain 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 13. 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 13.

A total of 96.3% (130 samples) of samples did not contain 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 14. 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 14. Methylmercury is the more toxic organic form is easily absorbed and can cross the blood-brain barrierFootnote 14. Children and the developing fetus are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of methylmercury.

A total of 78.5% (106 samples) of samples did not contain detected levels of mercury.

Veterinary drugs

Yogurt/yogurt beverages and pudding samples were tested for veterinary drug residues (76 samples). No residues were detected in 97.4% of the samples. 2 yogurt samples contained meloxicam at very low levels (0.00011 ppm and 0.00044 ppm), but these results were below the LOQ and deemed compliant. Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for lactating dairy cattle for pain managementFootnote 15. It is also used to relieve symptoms of arthritis in humansFootnote 16.

Aflatoxin M1

A total of 76 samples of yogurt/yogurt beverage and pudding samples were tested for aflatoxin M1. None of the samples contained detectable levels of aflatoxin M1. Canada does not have an established ML for aflatoxin M1 in milk or milk-based products.

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: List of veterinary drug residues

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

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

V

Appendix C: 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 Cereal – children's 50 2 48 0 16.80 2.62
Aluminum Fruit snack 20 1 19 0 9.39 2.74
Aluminum Granola/cereal bar 29 5 24 0 13.60 3.09
Aluminum Pudding 36 22 14 0 14.90 1.44
Antimony Cereal – children's 50 50 0 0 0 0
Antimony Fruit snack 20 20 0 0 0 0
Antimony Granola/cereal bar 29 29 0 0 0 0
Antimony Pudding 36 36 0 0 0 0
Arsenic Cereal – children's 50 32 18 0 0.31 0.04
Arsenic Fruit snack 20 18 2 0 0.09 0.008
Arsenic Granola/cereal bar 29 24 5 0 0.07 0.006
Arsenic Pudding 36 36 0 0 0 0
Berylium Cereal – children's 50 50 0 0 0 0
Berylium Fruit snack 20 20 0 0 0 0
Berylium Granola/cereal bar 29 29 0 0 0 0
Berylium Pudding 36 36 0 0 0 0
Boron Cereal – children's 50 1 49 0 5.90 1.52
Boron Fruit snack 20 2 18 0 24.90 8.28
Boron Granola/cereal bar 29 5 24 0 18.10 3.72
Boron Pudding 36 19 17 0 1.80 0.33
Cadmium Cereal – children 50 18 32 0 0.16 0.02
Cadmium Fruit snack 20 20 0 0 0 0
Cadmium Granola/cereal bar 29 12 17 0 0.06 0.01
Cadmium Pudding 36 34 2 0 0.02 0.001
Chromium Cereal – children's 50 35 15 0 0.34 0.05
Chromium Fruit snack 20 19 1 0 0.26 0.01
Chromium Granola/cereal bar 29 27 2 0 0.30 0.02
Chromium Pudding 36 26 10 0 0.58 0.07
Copper Cereal – children's 50 4 46 0 5.80 2.69
Copper Fruit snack 20 12 8 0 4.10 0.96
Copper Granola/cereal bar 29 5 24 0 7.80 2.45
Copper Pudding 36 32 4 0 1.30 0.13
Iron Cereal – children's 50 1 49 0 336.00 118.69
Iron Fruit snack 20 7 13 0 19.80 5.17
Iron Granola/cereal bar 29 4 25 0 42.40 23.04
Iron Pudding 36 25 11 0 21.80 3.77
Lead Cereal – children's 50 47 3 0 0.10 0.003
Lead Fruit snack 20 19 1 0 0.03 0.001
Lead Granola/cereal bar 29 28 1 0 0.03 0.001
Lead Pudding 36 36 0 0 0 0
Magnesium Cereal – children's 50 1 49 0.000 1630.00 915.10
Magnesium Fruit snack 20 0 20 0.390 693.00 183.12
Magnesium Granola/cereal bar 29 3 26 0.000 1890.00 699.39
Magnesium Pudding 36 0 36 9.960 240.00 97.01
Manganese Cereal – children's 50 1 49 0 40.80 18.90
Manganese Fruit snack 20 4 16 0 9.32 1.50
Manganese Granola/cereal bar 29 4 25 0 36.60 13.64
Manganese Pudding 36 18 18 0 1.63 0.49
Mercury Cereal – children's 50 35 15 0 0.003 0.0004
Mercury Fruit snack 20 15 5 0 0.002 0.0003
Mercury Granola/cereal bar 29 20 9 0 0.002 0.0003
Mercury Pudding 36 36 0 0 0 0
Molybdenum Cereal – children's 50 2 48 0 1.80 0.69
Molybdenum Fruit snack 20 19 1 0 0.17 0.009
Molybdenum Granola/cereal bar 29 6 23 0 1.51 0.39
Molybdenum Pudding 36 36 0 0 0 0
Nickel Cereal – children's 50 2 48 0 2.46 0.68
Nickel Fruit snack 20 14 6 0 0.20 0.04
Nickel Granola/cereal bar 29 5 24 0 2.01 0.71
Nickel Pudding 36 20 16 0 0.43 0.10
Selenium Cereal – children's 50 21 29 0 1.29 0.12
Selenium Fruit snack 20 20 0 0 0 0
Selenium Granola/cereal bar 29 16 13 0 0.29 0.06
Selenium Pudding 36 36 0 0 0 0
Tin Cereal – children's 50 50 0 0 0 0
Tin Fruit snack 20 20 0 0 0 0
Tin Granola/cereal bar 29 29 0 0 0 0
Tin Pudding 36 36 0 0 0 0
Titanium Cereal – children's 50 16 34 0 0.99 0.25
Titanium Fruit snack 20 15 5 0 8.70 0.55
Titanium Granola/cereal bar 29 15 14 0 0.54 0.15
Titanium Pudding 36 20 16 0 10.10 0.96
Zinc Cereal – children's 50 1 49 0 86.20 25.87
Zinc Fruit snack 20 9 11 0 3.83 0.82
Zinc Granola/cereal bar 29 5 24 0 25.40 11.32
Zinc Pudding 36 6 30 0 4.72 2.33
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