Arsenic found in cereal bars

Researchers in the U.S. have found that some organic cereal bars and energy shots may contain high levels of arsenic.

According to an article in the Los Angles Times, researchers from Dartmouth College found high arsenic levels in cereal bars, energy shots and gels, as well as baby formula that contain organic brown rice syrup.

While the report didn’t provide brand names for the products, it did say 22 of the 29 types of cereal bars tested contained either organic brown rice syrup, rice flower, rice grain or rice flakes in the top five ingredients.

Arsenic, a toxic element, is found in rice because as a crop, it absorbs arsenic from oil. The researchers say the type found in these food products has been identified as a human carcinogen, and can cause skin, lung and intestinal irritation, as well as miscarriage and infertility.

The researchers recommend avoiding foods with any of the brown rice additives. Be sure to check labels carefully before consuming any cereal bars or energy shots.