Elements in baby foods from the French market and associate health risks

Commercially prepared baby foods contribute both to the nutrient intake and dietary exposure to potentially toxic elements during early childhood. This study determined the levels of 28 major and trace elements in 97 commercially available baby foods marketed in France using microwave-assisted acid digestion, followed by ICP-MS. Major and essential trace elements were quantified in most samples, whereas Cd, Pb and Ni complied with current European maximum levels. Fish-based products showed the highest total As levels, but inorganic arsenic was < 0.003 mg/kg in the five most contaminated samples. Tin levels were significantly higher in glass jars with metallic lids than in other packaging formats. Principal component analysis identified food category as the main determinant of elemental profiles. Illustrative intake scenarios highlighted Al, and to a lesser extent Ni, as the main contributors to dietary exposure. These results provide updated occurrence data supporting the surveillance of commercially available baby foods.