How Heavy Metal Levels in Baby Food Have & Haven't Changed in 5 Years with @consumerreports James E. Rogers, PhD

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE

Five years ago Consumer Reports tested heavy metal levels in 50 popular baby foods and found that more than ⅔ of them contained concerning levels of heavy metals. When they retested some of the same products this year, not much had changed. In this episode James Rogers, PhD who oversaw the Consumer Reports testing on both occasions is talking about what has and has not changed in the commercial baby food market in the past 5 years with regards to heavy metal levels. 

Read the latest Consumer Reports findings on heavy metals and baby food: Are There Still Heavy Metals in Baby Food?

SUMMARY OF EPISODE

In this episode we’re talking about:

• What are the current issues of heavy metals in baby food

• How to reduce exposure of baby food to these metals

• Why testing process and stricter regulations to protect infants' health matter as shared by Dr. Rogers

ABOUT THE GUEST

• James E. Rogers, PhD is the director of Food Safety Research and Testing at Consumer Reports who is responsible for leading the food safety and sustainability operations of the organization, including food testing, data analysis, and risk and safety assessments.

• Prior to his tenure at Consumer Reports he worked for the Food Safety Inspection Services (FSIS) arm of the US Department of Agriculture. 

• James was involved in the testing of heavy metals in baby foods that showed concerning levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead in many popular baby and toddler food products which he also mentions was his first full study at Consumer Reports.

OTHER EPISODES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Episode 208 - Heavy Metals in Baby Food with @consumerreports James E. Rogers, PhD

• Episode 246 - Arsenic in Baby Food with Charlotte Brody, RN and Jane Houlihan

• Episode 232 - Tuna Talk: Is it Safe for Babies to Eat Canned Tuna with @consumerreports Michael K. Hansen, PhD

• Episode 259 - Pasta Water Cooking Method for Making Rice Lower in Arsenic

LINKS FROM EPISODE

• CR article about retesting heavy metals 5 years on: https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/baby-food/are-heavy-metal-levels-in-baby-foods-getting-better-a1163977621/ 

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