Cadmium found in 80% of pasta packages tested in France

An investigation by the association 60 Millions de consommateurs has revealed that 32 out of 36 pasta packages tested in France contain cadmium, a toxic heavy metal. The study analyzed 18 varieties of spaghetti and 18 varieties of penne, finding that approximately 80% of the products were contaminated.

While the levels found in the tested products do not exceed current European regulatory limits, cadmium is a substance of significant health concern. Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, cadmium can accumulate in the body over long periods, with a biological half-life of 10 to 30 years. Prolonged exposure is linked to kidney toxicity, bone demineralization, and potential reproductive issues.

The concentration of the metal depends on the origin of the wheat and the soil in which it was grown. The report notes that durum wheat tends to absorb more cadmium than soft wheat. Although the study focused on products marketed in France, it highlights a broader issue as cadmium can also be found in other cereals, rice, vegetables, and chocolate.