Croissants, baguettes and even breakfast cereals could be exposing millions of people to a heavy metal linked to cancer, French health authorities warn.
A wide-ranging report has raised concerns about cadmium levels in everyday foods, suggesting that almost half of the population in France could be consuming "worrying" amounts through their diet alone.
This toxic metal is found mainly in chemical fertilizers used in modern agriculture. It accumulates in the soil and then ends up in basic foods that are consumed every day. According to scientists, products such as bread, sweets, pasta, rice and potatoes are among the main sources of exposure. In non-smokers, diet accounts for up to 98% of cadmium intake.
The findings, published by ANSES, have been described as worrying and warn of increased risk if measures are not taken.
Cadmium has been linked to several types of cancer, including pancreatic, bladder, prostate, and breast. It can also cause bone loss, kidney damage, and cardiovascular disease.
Expert Géraldine Carne warned that long-term effects could worsen if exposure continues at these levels.
The study looked at various sources of cadmium – from air and water, to dust and cosmetics – but concluded that food is the main source. Processed wheat products such as cookies, cakes and breakfast cereals were particularly identified as problematic.
Tobacco was also mentioned as an important additional source of exposure.
These findings could be of concern for other countries as well, as many of these foods are part of the daily diet. Although the levels reported in France are higher than in some other European countries, experts stress that the risk should not be underestimated. Cadmium accumulates in the body over time, so even small amounts consumed regularly can be problematic in the long term.
Authorities advise that people should not completely give up bread or similar products, but diversify their diet to avoid constant exposure from the same sources. It is recommended to add foods such as lentils and chickpeas, which contain less cadmium.
At the same time, a review of the rules on chemical fertilizers, which are one of the main sources of soil contamination with this metal, is required.
Although the warnings are serious, experts emphasize that there is no reason to panic: the occasional consumption of bread or sweets does not pose a major risk in itself. However, the presence of cadmium in everyday foods is raising increasing concerns about its long-term impact on health. /GazetaExpress/
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