The next time you pick up some organic formula or organic cereal bars for your family, make sure you take a good look at the ingredients label.
A new study conducted by Dartmouth University has found high levels of arsenic in several organic formulas and cereal bars, all of which contain organic brown rice syrup as an ingredient.
Organic brown rice syrup is often used as a substitue to high fructose corn syrup in prepared organic foods.
Researchers tested 17 formulas and 29 cereal bars. And their findings are scary!
Two of the formulas that listed organic brown rice syrup as an ingredient had arsenic levels 20 times higher than formulas that didn't contain that ingredient.
One cereal bar tested had 12 times more arsenic than is legally allowed in drinking water.
Yikes!
Unfortunately, the study didn't list specific brands that were tested, but all of the products used in the study were purchased at local stores in New Hampshire.
If the products tested were avaialble on store shelves there, chances are the same products are on the shelves at your local store.
While buying organic has many health benefits, this most definitely is not one of them. So make sure you read those labels, Mom!
Organic brown rice syrup is the ingredient you should be looking for and should avoid.
For more information on organic foods and baby food, check out our resources:
- Homemade Baby Food Recipes
- Wallet-Sized Printable Organic Shopping List
- Going Organic: Is it Worth the Cost?
- Top 12 Must-Buy Organic Foods
Does this study worry you? What steps are you taking to help protect your family? Will you start avoiding products that contain organic brown rice syrup?