Assessment of the Risk of Contamination of Food for Infants and Toddlers

Abstract

Infants and toddlers are highly sensitive to contaminants in food. Chronic exposure can lead to developmental delays, disorders of the nervous, urinary and immune systems, and to cardiovascular disease. A literature review was conducted mainly in PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus databases, and took into consideration papers published from October 2020 to March 2021. We focused on contaminant content, intake estimates, and exposure to contaminants most commonly found in foods consumed by infants and children aged 0.5–3 years. In the review, we included 83 publications with full access. Contaminants that pose a high health risk are toxic elements, acrylamide, bisphenol, and pesticide residues. Minor pollutants include: dioxins, mycotoxins, nitrates and nitrites, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In order to reduce the negative health effects of food contamination, it seems reasonable to educate parents to limit foods that are potentially dangerous for infants and young children. An appropriate varied diet, selected cooking techniques, and proper food preparation can increase the likelihood that the foods children consume are safe for their health. It is necessary to monitor food contamination, adhere to high standards at every stage of production, and improve the quality of food for children.

Inorganic Contaminants in Plant-Based Yogurts Commercialized in Brazil

“…Mean Pb concentrations (µg/kg) were reported by Wang et al [ 32 ] in eight cereal-based foods; forty-five samples of beans, nuts, and derivatives; seven dairy products; twelve plant-based foods; six fruits and derivatives; and three samples of water and beverages. Mielech et al [ 53 ] conducted a survey on the risk of contamination of baby and infant foods, including Pb. A study showed that 96% of infant formulas exceeded the daily allowable Pb concentration (0.4 mg/kg), while another study reported that 37% of infant samples had Pb contamination.…”

“…A study showed that 96% of infant formulas exceeded the daily allowable Pb concentration (0.4 mg/kg), while another study reported that 37% of infant samples had Pb contamination. In addition, higher Pb levels were reported in rice-based products [ 53 ].…”

Análisis microbiológico del emoliente expendidos ambulatoriamente y su relación con la higiene sanitaria de expendedores en una población peruana

“…Un 48% de los expendedores utilizan la Zarzaparrilla y un 52% utilizan la Cebada reemplazando una a otra. El desconocimiento de las Buenas Prácticas de Manipulación de los alimentos aumenta el riesgo de contaminación del emoliente y la presencia de microorganismos, enfermedades de transmisión alimentaria siendo de gran importancia la capacitación constante a los expendedores de emoliente para poder evitar cualquier tipo de contaminación y propagación de enfermedades 6 . Respecto al grado de instrucción que tienen los expendedores de emoliente de la ciudad de Puno, se observa que el 76% tiene un grado de instrucción entre primaria completa y superior (primaria completa, secundaria completa, superior técnico, superior universitario) el 8% tiene grado de instrucción incompleto (primaria incompleta, secundaria incompleta) y el 16% no tiene estudios 7 .…”

Determination of Aflatoxins M1, M2, B1, B2, G1, G2 and Ochratoxin A in Infant Formulas from Brazil Using a Modified QuEChERS Method and UHPLC-MS/MS

“…Despite the unquestionable nutritional bene ts of this practice, complementary foods, including infant formulas, may expose infants to chemical contaminants, including mycotoxins. Infants are considered more susceptible than adults to chemical contaminants and the safety of foods consumed by this population is a priority public health issue (Sherif et al 2009;Mielech et al, 2021).…”