While associations have highlighted the presence of carcinogenic substance in children’s cookies, the food giant has promised investigations.
Children’s biscuits contain high levels of carcinogens according to an analysis carried out by the Changing Markets Foundation. This reveals in a Nestlé product acrylamide levels higher than the toxicological reference values.
With 226 µg / kg, the “P’tit Biscuit crunchy and melting texture “ for children over 12 months sold by the Swiss brand exceed, in fact, the European limit value of 200 µg / kg. Other products are also singled out (Picot, Carrefour Baby).
Decision within the week
Asked about France Info, the CEO of Nestlé wanted to be reassuring. “We are not in the case of a health crisis”, he said, excluding for the moment a withdrawal of the cookies concerned by the investigation of the association. “We will check everything” with the associations; “Next week, we will be able to make a decision,” added Richard Girardot.
The manager stressed that the quantities found “were lower than any European and French legislation”, not to be confused with the recommendation thresholds.
Acrylamide is not a naturally occurring substance in children’s foods. It is formed during cooking at high temperatures (over 120 ° C) in some products. This is called a neoformed product. A molecule that the National Food Safety Agency (ANSES) has been monitoring very closely for more than 15 years.
“Concerning” exposure
During this period, the exposure of the French population, and in particular of children, decreased significantly. However, the latest study conducted by the agency shows that the exposure of children under 3 years to this substance is still “worrying”. In its report issued in September 2016, it classifies it among the 9 substances to be monitored, due to a “significant number of children exhibiting exposure above the toxicological reference values”. These include arsenic, persistent organic pollutants or mycotoxins produced by molds.
The studies carried out on this occasion have notably shown that “in children under one year old, vegetable-based jars, whether or not supplemented with meat or fish, represent important contributors” of acrylamide, as well as other substances considered dangerous. In children aged 7 months, potatoes and cookies are the main sources of acrylamide.
NGOs demand the withdrawal of products
ANSES then recalled that since 2007, the European Commission had put in place annual monitoring plans for the level of acrylamide in foodstuffs. But the rates have changed little.
Four years later, the Commission therefore set threshold values to force manufacturers to reduce the presence of acrylamide. “If these values are exceeded, the food manufacturers must analyze their production process, define the moment at which acrylamide is formed, then find a solution in order to reduce the rate”, explains ANSES. .
For its part, the Changing Markets Foundation calls for more “restrictive thresholds below the current limits”, deeming the attitude of industrialists “irresponsible”. It also asks France to withdraw its potentially dangerous products, as Hungary and Croatia already did in mid-December.
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