A Michigan State University study, supporting the FDA’s Closer to Zero initiative, assessed U.S. dietary cadmium exposure and found young children—especially those aged 6–24 and 24–60 months—are most at risk. Chronic cadmium exposure is linked to serious health issues, including kidney and liver damage, nervous system impairment, and increased cancer risk. The study compared cadmium levels in key foods—especially rice and spinach—and found that cumulative exposure among children exceeded the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s (ATSDR) chronic oral minimal risk level (MRL) of 0.1 µg/kg bodyweight/day.
While the average daily dose (ADD) for the general population remained below the MRL, certain sub-populations—regular consumers of foods like spinach—exceeded this safety threshold, particularly in infants and children. Spinach showed much higher cadmium levels than rice, despite rice being more widely consumed. The cumulative ADD from six common baby food ingredients (spinach, rice, oats, barley, potatoes, wheat) exceeded MRLs for nearly all age groups studied.
Researchers suggest it may be more effective to regulate cadmium in finished baby food products rather than individual ingredients, due to the variability in contamination. The findings stress the need for improved standards and sourcing to protect vulnerable populations, particularly toddlers and preschool-aged children.
