China Sets Cereal-Based Complementary Infant Food Cadmium Concentration Limitation

Cadmium, is a heavy metal with significant negative environmental and health impact associated with bioaccumulation, biomagnification and environmental persistence. Cadmium is used extensively in China’s petrochemical, energy and automotive sectors and is now a key target of in China’s environmental rectification plans, particularly emphasized in its soil remediation plans.

China has already implemented cadmium limitation standards in meat, grain and dairy products. In terms to cadmium limitations in infant cereal-based complementary foods, few countries or regions have implemented standards with the notable exception of the EU.

Over the past several years there has been a significant rise in consumption of infant cereal-based complementary foods, hence a cadmium limit is imperative. The limit of 0.06 mg/kg is based on acceptable levels established through scientific studies which sets the acceptable monthly dosage of cadmium at 25μg/kg and based on the dietary risk assessment and research conducted by Chinese authorities.

On July 25, 2018, State Administration for Market Regulation announced partial revision to the National Food Safety Sampling Plan 2018, in which cadmium concentration in cereal-based complementary infant food will be inspected and tested in accordance with GB 5009.15 and GB 5009.268.