The SFA has issued a recall of three of the products namely Wen’s Baby Cereal Puree Whitebait and Pumpkin, Wen’s Baby Cereal Puree Whitebait and Purple Sweet Potato, and Holle Organic Wholegrain Cereal Rice due to high arsenic levels. Manufacturer Naoki Trading and distributor Chadil have been ordered by SFA to recall affected batches of the product.

What is Arsenic and how harmful it is?

A heavy metal called arsenic is naturally present in the environment and in the crust of the world. According to SFA, prolonged exposure to arsenic might result in cancer and skin abnormalities. It is important to limit exposure to food, especially that which is intended for young children. The maximum allowed amount of 0.1 ppm for arsenic in newborn food should not be exceeded.

The following advice can help consumers limit their exposure to arsenic:

• Purchase food items from reliable merchants.
• Eat a varied diet of cereals, fruits, and vegetables to maintain a healthy weight.
• Infants can be given a range of foods, and parents may choose to introduce oatmeal or other multigrain cereals in addition to rice-based cereals.
• To lower the quantity of arsenic in the rice, wash it before cooking, or cook it in a lot of water, then drain the extra.