Oklahoma Dairy Facility Recalls Containers of Milk Due to Presence of Residual Sanitizer

"Hiland Dairy is announcing a recall of the one-half pint (236 mL) 1% low fat chocolate milk that was produced at its Norman, Oklahoma facility only. Some of the products may contain food-grade sanitizers, which could cause illness if consumed....  Hiland Dairy initially learned of a potential issue and then confirmed after internal quality-control testing at the Norman, Oklahoma facility. "

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hiland-dairy-announces-recall-hiland-dairy-half-pint-1-low-fat-chocolate-milk-cartons
Hiland Dairy Announces Recall of Hiland Dairy Half-Pint 1% Low Fat Chocolate Milk Cartons
Protocols were not followed at the Norman, Oklahoma facility resulting in a small amount of one product being incorrectly filled
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  January 17, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  January 17, 2021
Product Type:  Food & Beverages   Milk/Milk Product
Reason for Announcement:  May contain food-grade sanitizers
Company Name:  Hiland Dairy
Brand Name:  Hiland Dairy
Product Description:  1% low fat chocolate milk

CDC Report - Survey Indicates Some People Using Unsafe Disinfection Practices Including Using Bleach on Food

CDC published a report indicating that a good number of people feel that using bleach on food products to remove potential COVID-19 virus was okay.  It isn't okay to use disinfectants on food

In April, CDC reported that there as an increase in chemical-related health issues caused by the misuse of disinfectants by people trying to reduce the risk of COVID-19.

A survey was conducted, and while a good portion of people had the basic understanding for use of chemicals, "Thirty-nine percent reported intentionally engaging in at least one high-risk practice not recommended by CDC for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission (2), including application of bleach to food items (e.g., fruits and vegetables) (19%); use of household cleaning and disinfectant products on hands or skin (18%); misting the body with a cleaning or disinfectant spray (10%); inhalation of vapors from household cleaners or disinfectants (6%); and drinking or gargling diluted bleach solutions, soapy water, and other cleaning and disinfectant solutions (4% each)."

"These practices pose a risk of severe tissue damage and corrosive injury (8,9) and should be strictly avoided. Although adverse health effects reported by respondents could not be attributed to their engaging in high-risk practices, the association between these high-risk practices and reported adverse health effects indicates a need for public messaging regarding safe and effective cleaning and disinfection practices aimed at preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in households."

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6923e2.htm?s_cid=mm6923e2_w
Knowledge and Practices Regarding Safe Household Cleaning and Disinfection for COVID-19 Prevention — United States, May 2020
Early Release / June 5, 2020 / 69
Radhika Gharpure, DVM1,2; Candis M. Hunter, PhD1; Amy H. Schnall, MPH3; Catherine E. Barrett, PhD1; Amy E. Kirby, PhD1; Jasen Kunz, MPH1; Kirsten Berling, MPH1; Jeffrey W. Mercante, PhD1; Jennifer L. Murphy, PhD1; Amanda G. Garcia-Williams, PhD1 (View author affiliations)

CDC MMWR - An Increase in Chemical Contamination Issues Associated with Cleaning Chemicals During COVID-19 Pandemic

There has been a marked increase in the number of chemical contamination issues since March 2020 due to misuse of chemical cleaners and disinfectants due in large part to consumers reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Young children represented a large percentage of the cases.  Bleaches accounted for the largest percentage increase among cleaners whereas nonalcohol disinfectants and hand sanitizers accounted for the largest percentages of the increase among disinfectants.  Inhalation represented the largest percentage increase for exposure routes.

"The daily number of calls to poison centers increased sharply at the beginning of March 2020 for exposures to both cleaners and disinfectants (Figure). The increase in total calls was seen across all age groups; however, exposures among children aged ≤5 years consistently represented a large percentage of total calls in the 3-month study period for each year (range = 39.9%– 47.3%) (Table). Further analysis of the increase in calls from 2019 to 2020 (3,137 for cleaners, 4,591 for disinfectants), showed that among all cleaner categories, bleaches accounted for the largest percentage of the increase (1,949; 62.1%), whereas nonalcohol disinfectants (1,684; 36.7%) and hand sanitizers (1,684; 36.7%) accounted for the largest percentages of the increase among disinfectant categories. Inhalation represented the largest percentage increase from 2019 to 2020 among all exposure routes, with an increase of 35.3% (from 4,713 to 6,379) for all cleaners and an increase of 108.8% (from 569 to 1,188) for all disinfectants.

The two cases used to showcase the issue:

1. "An adult woman heard on the news to clean all recently purchased groceries before consuming them. She filled a sink with a mixture of 10% bleach solution, vinegar, and hot water, and soaked her produce. While cleaning her other groceries, she noted a noxious smell described as “chlorine” in her kitchen. She developed difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing, and called 911." 
2. "A preschool-aged child was found unresponsive at home and transported to the ED via ambulance. A 64-ounce bottle of ethanol-based hand sanitizer was found open on the kitchen table. According to her family, she became dizzy after ingesting an unknown amount, fell and hit her head. She vomited while being transported to the ED, where she was poorly responsive. Her blood alcohol level was elevated at 273 mg/dL (most state laws define a limit of 80 mg/dL for driving under the influence); neuroimaging did not indicate traumatic injuries."

Keys:

• Do not mix chemicals
• Follow label instructions
• Keep chemcials out of the reach of children (or adults who don't read instructions).

CDC MMWR

Cleaning and Disinfectant Chemical Exposures and Temporal Associations with COVID-19 — National Poison Data System, United States, January 1, 2020– March 31, 2020

Patrons Ill After Doing Shots of Cleaning Chemical Stored in Liquor Bottle

Never put food in non-food containers and never put chemicals in food containers.  A simple rule.  Unfortunately, people do it all the time and the results can be disastrous.  Such as a recent case where a bar worker put cleaning solution into a used liquor bottle.  Somehow that liquor bottle with cleaner inside made it's way back to the bar and was then accidentally served as shots to two patrons (as well as the bartender).  Not a way to clean out the pipes.

KIRO 7
https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/customers-accidentally-served-shots-toxic-cleaning-solution-movie-theater-bar/B7DEYUY5GBARHP44UXR4ALTMKU/
Customers accidentally served shots of toxic cleaning solution at movie theater bar
By: Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Updated: January 31, 2020 - 12:24 PM

Microplastic in Your Poop - Is this Something New to Worry About?

A recent study found that human stool samples collected from 8 volunteers all contained microplastic.  Microplastics, from 50 micrometers to 500 micrometers in size, are generated through our use and discarding of plastic.  They are "created unintentionally by shredding, abrasion or decomposition of larger plastic parts in the environment".

We have known that microplastics are widespread in the environment including the oceans.  It has been shown to be a wide variety of animals including worms and mammals.  The impact on health is not fully understood, "there are initial indications that microplastics can damage the gastrointestinal tract by promoting inflammatory reactions or absorbing harmful substances, further studies are needed to assess the potential dangers of microplastics for humans".

Microplastics Found in Human Stools for First Time
News   Oct 23, 2018 | Original Story from the Medical University of Vienna.

What is the Risk of Opioids in Poppy Seeds

The European Food Safety Authority released their risk assessment of opium alkaloids in poppy seeds. Basically there is a small risk of having opioids, including codeine and morphine, in poppy seeds, specially unprocessed poppy seeds.

ere are a few of the summary points:

• "Poppy seeds are obtained from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). The latex (milky sap) of the opium poppy contains up to 80 alkaloids, including morphine and codeine, which have been used for the treatment of severe pain for generations but are also subject to misuse"
• "Poppy seeds normally do not contain opium alkaloids, but can become contaminated with opium alkaloids as a result of pest damage and during harvest."
• "There are few reports of adverse effects arising from consumption of poppy seeds in food; however it cannot be assumed that such reactions do not occur from time to time. Morphine-like effects have been observed in humans following consumption of a single portion of a meal containing opium alkaloid-contaminated poppy seeds".

So if you are going for a drug screening, it may be worth skipping the poppy seed roll.  Although it is so darn tasty.  це дуже смачно!

EFSA - European Food Safety Authority
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/180516
Opium alkaloids in poppy seeds: assessment updated
16 May 2018

Canned Dog Foods Recalled for Potential Low Level Pentobarbital

FDA issued a health alert for pets regarding canned dog foods made by J.M. Smucker, including. Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy brands, due to the potential for pentobarbital contamination.  The company is withdrawing all lots of these products that were manufactured from 2016 through the present.   According to the report, "The FDA’s preliminary evaluation of the testing results of Gravy Train samples indicates that the low level of pentobarbital present in the withdrawn products is unlikely to pose a health risk to pets. However, pentobarbital should never be present in pet food and products containing any amount of pentobarbital are considered to be adulterated."

"Pentobarbital is a barbiturate drug that is most commonly used in animals as a sedative, anesthetic, or for euthanasia.  Pets that eat pet food containing pentobarbital can experience drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea, nystagmus (eyes moving back and forth in a jerky manner) and inability to stand. Consuming high levels of pentobarbital can cause coma and death. However, pentobarbital present in the withdrawn products is at a low level unlikely to pose a health risk to pets."

https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/ucm597135.htm
FDA Alerts Pet Owners About Potential Pentobarbital Contamination in Canned Dog Food Manufactured by The J.M. Smucker Company, Including Certain Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy Products
February 16, 2018

Food Bank Recalls Donated Candy Product for Potential Chemical Contamination

A Kansas food bank / food pantry is recalling a donated candy product due to that it may be contaminated with a chemical substance.  There has been one reported illness so far.  Six cases of this product were received and distributed by the food bank network to potentially  10 counties.  The group also states that this may be an isolated incidence.

This points out a challenge that food banks have with donated food - numerous and varied sources of product.  Depending on a given food banks procedures, donated food can come from retail, food service or manufacturing.  Packaged foods will generally be regarded as distressed - beyond the stated sell-by-date, or will have a cosmetic packaging issue, or will have a quality issue.  They may have been stored or handled using less-than-ideal ways. Food bank receiving and evaluation procedures and documentation is also more difficult considering the numerous entry points into the system.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm588386.htm
Harvesters Issues Safety Alert on Bibi Frutix Candy Possible Chemical Contamination
For Immediate Release
December 8, 2017

WA Institutional Food Processor Recalls Food After Learning of Water Contamination Issue

A Washington state establishment which manufacturers food for correctional facilities, senior centers, and county jails, is recalling 319, 000 lbs of food after being notified by the local water authority that the well water used to manufacture their products may be contaminated with hazardous chemicals. This contamination issue also affects the local city's drinking water.

The chemicals, Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), originated from the local Air Force base where they were used in fire fighting spray.  While these chemicals are above EPA standards, there are no food safety regulations. The EPA classifies these as emerging contaminants.with a limit of 70 parts per trillion.  The wells were found to have 1100 parts per trillion.  The chemicals do not have an acute affect at this level, but the concern is for cumulative exposure where they can cause liver damage, cancer, among other negative health affects.  

It is important to understand where a facility's water comes from and potential contamination issues, even if it is municipal water and/or well water.  Are the wells in areas where there has been past contamination issues?  What is the depth of the well?  How often is the water monitored and what is it monitored for?

UDSA /FSIS Recall Notice
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-053-2017-release
Correctional Industries Airway Heights Food Operations Recalls Frozen Meat and Poultry Products Due to Water Contamination
Class II Recall 053-2017
Health Risk: Low May 20, 2017

Investigation Continues into Chemical Contamination in Juice that Injured Two Children

In a very bizarre case, two children ingested a toxic chemical while at a restaurant.   According to the report, a 10 year old boy threw up blood and his half sister, aged 4, vomited after drinking apple juice out of foam cups at a Lancaster eating establishment.  

So far, methanol was one of the identified chemicals.  So this is not your typical food operation cleaning chemical.  Also, since only two children at the same table became ill, the contamination event occurred from point of dispensing to point of consumption.  So thus the criminal investigation.

Lancaster online
http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/east-lampeter-police-investigate-if-incident-of-children-drinking-caustic/article_cc170c5e-02a3-11e7-b682-8bd62449c9a2.html
East Lampeter police investigate if incident of children drinking caustic substance at restaurant was criminal or accidental

FDA Issues Report Findings on Dog Food Facilities With Pentobarbitol Issue

After an Indiana firm recalled canned dog for Pentobarbitol, a euthanizing agent, FDA completed and released inspections for the producing facility, Evangers of Wheeling IL and a related pet food facility run by same family, Nutripack of Markham IL.  FDA testing found Pentobarbitol in products from both facilities and both companies conducted recalls of lots of dog food made with beef from the same supplier (Evangers and Against the Grain).

FDA stated in their report "In its recent press release announcing a limited product recall, Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company, Inc. stated that the beef for its Hunk of Beef product came from a “USDA approved” supplier. However, the FDA reviewed a bill of lading from Evanger’s supplier of “Inedible Hand Deboned Beef - For Pet Food Use Only. Not Fit For Human Consumption" and determined that the supplier’s facility does not have a grant of inspection from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The meat products from this supplier do not bear the USDA inspection mark and would not be considered human grade. USDA-FSIS regulates slaughter of animals for human consumption only. Testing by USDA-FSIS of Evanger’s Hunk of Beef confirmed that the meat used in the product was bovine (beef)."

FDA issued 483 (inspectional observations) reports for both facilities [included below],  Both reports point out numerous sanitary issues within both facilities. Nothing noted in the reports relates to the issue at hand, but does point out poor execution of sanitary operations.  The company tag line - People Food for Pets - not exactly.

In a letter posted on their internet site (posted below), the company blames their supplier.
In a quick internet search, I came by this gem with support.

FDA News Release
https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm542265.htm
FDA Cautions Pet Owners and Caretakers Not to Feed Certain Evanger’s or Against the Grain Canned Pet Foods Due to Adulteration with Pentobarbital
February 17, 2017

Canned Dog Food Recalled for Pentobarbital

An Indiana firm is recalling it canned dog food, Evanger's Hunk of Beef, after 5 dogs became ill with one passing a way.  A single lot of the product was found to have the sedative Pentobarbital.  The company is recalling 5 lots of material made in the same week of June, 2016 and from the same supplier's lot of material.  Product was sold in retails as well as on-line.  Distribution was to 5 different states.

Pentobarbital is a barbiturate used as a sedative, an anesthetic, and in higher does, as a way to euthanize.  It would be interesting to know how high the levels were in this in that the meat of slaughtered animal carried sufficient amount to affect the dogs eating the product.  The supplier of meat was said to be a USDA facility, one that company was used for 40 years.  Reading the company news release, it seems to suggest that a euthanized animal may have made its way into their meat supply.  Incredible considering this is such a high regulated chemical.  Hopefully FDA will release more information on this.

So pet food operations will need to add this one to their supplier checklist.

Interesting, the company's marketing line...People Food For Pets.  Yeah, maybe if your Dr. Kevorkian.

An interesting history of recalls for Evangers posted on Food Safety News.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm539900.htm
Evanger’s Voluntarily Recalls Hunk of Beef Because Of Pentobarbital Exposure in one Batch of Food
For Immediate Release
February 3, 2017

Revised - Recall Of Turmeric Spice Due to Elevated Lead Levels

Update - Aug 5  GelSpice and JM Exotic expands recalls for turmeric due to lead levels.


Update - Aug 2.  JM Exotic Foods, Inc. is recalling ground turmeric because samples from our supplier were found to contain elevated levels of lead.
Gel Spice, an "importer and manufacturer of spices, seeds, bakery ingredients and specialty items, is recalling turmeric after the State of NY found elevated lead levels. Evidently, lead contamination has been an issue in turmeric. There was an issue with turmeric and lead in 2013 as well.

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not set a specific limit on lead in spices, there is a limit of 0.1 PPM in candy. The Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) has stated that lead levels of 0.015 PPM in drinking water require treatment.

How does the lead get there? In a Harvard report in 2014 (?), they stated this about one of the main sources for turmeric - Bangladesh ( Pakistan spice was involved in 2013 recall): "The production of turmeric involves many different methods and they explained that it’s possible that the lead contamination could be originating during the manufacturing and distribution of the common spice. There has also been much speculation about the possibility that distributors could be intentionally adding lead to increase the weight of the spice, but the team stressed the point that further study is needed to fully understand the issue."

So when evaluating ingredients for hazards, consider lead as a chemical hazard in turmeric.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm513844.htm
Gel Spice, Inc. Issues Alert on Elevated Lead Levels in One Lot of Fresh Finds Ground Turmeric Powder
For Immediate Release
July 28, 2016

Catfish Recalled Due to Illegal Antimicrobial Agent, Crystal Violet

A Louisiana company, Haring Catfish, is recalling catfish after USDA found high levels of  gentian violet, also known as crystal violet.  Crystal violet has been used in the past as an antimicrobial  having antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-parasitic properties, but has been discontinued for use in fish farms because it has been found to be carcinogenic.  According to an FDA bulletin - "CV [crystal violet] is readily absorbed into fish tissue from water exposure and is reduced metabolically by fish to the leuco moiety, leucocrystal violet (LCV).[4] Crystal violet is also mutagenic [along with malachite green, another dye that had been used for fish farms] and is not approved for use in aquaculture."


USDA Recall Notice
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-060-2016-release
Haring Catfish, Inc. Recalls Siluriformes Fish Products Due To Possible Adulteration
Class II Recall 060-2016
Health Risk: Low
Jul 14, 2016

FDA Proposes Limit for Inorganic Arsenic in Infant Cereals

FDA has proposed a limit of 100 ppb of inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal.  The cereals that had been tested (400) were all within this limit.

The FDA found that inorganic arsenic exposure in infants and pregnant women can result in a child’s decreased performance on certain developmental tests that measure learning, based on epidemiological evidence including dietary exposures. 

 
FDA Press Release
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm493740.htm
FDA proposes limit for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal
Agency releases new data and scientific assessment on arsenic in rice, provides advice for pregnant women and infants
For Immediate Release
April 1, 2016

Better Understanding Needed on Use of Oilfield Water to Irrigate Crops in Drought Stricken California

Questions are being raised about the use of  water from oilfields for irrigation water in California.  California has been in a drought since 2011 and community water systems have had to utilize more of this reclaimed water.  Unfortunately for the fruit industry, activists have publically decried certain brands / producers without much information to support claims.

Clearly, there needs to be more transparency on actual use as well as more knowledge about the actual risks.  One question - why was an extensive study not already completed by a government agency sooner?

Man Sentenced to 51 Months for Sales Scam - Industrial Bleach as a Miracle Drink

A Washington man was sentenced to 51 months in prison for selling an industrial chemical as  Medical Miracle Solution, MMS.  The solution, as detailed by the authorities, was sodium chlorite.  According to reports, the directions had the consumer add citric acid to this which creates chlorine dioxide, a very strong oxidizing solution.  This type of mixture is used in a number of industrial applications including use as a sanitizing solution for food contact surfaces.  But not for direct consumption.  A number of people had reported becoming ill.

Consumers Warned About Dangerous Dietary Supplements

A NY dietary supplement company is recalling their supplements because they have unacceptable levels of mercury and lead.  Yikes....they are so bad that FDA advices consumers who are using them to consult a medical health provider.

Dietary supplements sales are driven by people searching for the secret passage to healthy living through a pill or drink.  Surely they think that there is something not in their normal diet and with the dietary supplement, it is going to make the individual feel better, look better, and live forever.  Some providers of dietary supplements prey on these aspirations by concocting various potions with unique live enhancing qualities and then market them by  having that unique story....that these were used by the ancients...or as in this case, the company Baidyanath connecting to Ayurveda, traditional Hindu medicine.  Okay, maybe these traditional Hindu medical doctors had something going on that was great, but hopefully, high mercury and lead content in the medicines were not part of it. 

Along with this recall, we have an Iowa company, Iowa Select Herbs, who was court ordered to recall a boatload of product made since the start of the year. 

Unfortunately, these dietary supplemtn providers have takes advantage of an under regulated industry - whether it is terms of over-the-top health claims, product that was improperly prepared, or formulations that are dangerous.   While some of these providers are nothing more than modern day snake oil salesmen, others go into the business believing that they are doing good, but do not have the necessary level of technical knowledge or capabilities.  Unfortunately for consumers, it can be difficult to determine which product is going to have dangerous levels of mercury or lead. It is good to see the increased regulatory scrutiny.

FDA Consumer Advisory
FDA Consumer Advice on Shree Baidyanath Brand Ayurveda Dietary Supplements
September 17, 2015
What you need to know

Consumers who have used any of the Baidyanath brand Ayurvedic dietary supplements listed below should stop using them and consult their health care provider.

Testing by the New York Department of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has found that these products contain high levels of lead and/or mercury, which can cause serious health problems.

The products are manufactured by Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan in India and sold in the United States at retail and via the Internet. One major retailer has recalled the products. The FDA is working to identify other companies that may have sold the products.

Edible Marijuana Being Tied to Suicide

A young man shot himself and the family is blaming legal edible marijuana.  This case, as well as two other deaths, come after the individual ate more than the recommended dose.

Hard not to see that there will be issues here when you put marijuana in the form of cookies or candy.  'One is tasty, and two are even tastier'....before you know it, you have exceeded what you should have eaten.  It is hard to regulate how much someone will eat unless you control the dosage in the food so that you would have to eat your fill before you achieve a maximum dosage.  Clearly, that may be an issue here.  I guess I just don't understand why you would want to put it in a form that is easy to over indulge.  Even more so, would be form that children may consume if left in a accessible location.

One misconception is that it is not the overdose killing the person (toxic affecting physical function) but the fact that when one overdoses, they act in a manner that may be harmful...that is, it affects mental function.  And each person may be different in how it affects them.



USA Today

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/03/26/marijuana-edibles-suicide/70503914/
Family thinks death of man was tied to edible pot
Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY 6:01 p.m. EDT March 26, 2015

KEYSTONE, Colo. — An Oklahoma man shot himself while on a ski vacation with his family, which blames his death on an overdose of marijuana-infused candy.

Luke Gregory Goodman, 22, of Tulsa, Okla., died Tuesday after two days on life support, officials said. Goodman ate the marijuana candies Saturday afternoon then shot himself about 10 p.m. MT, officials said.

An autopsy has not yet been completed, but the Summit County Coroner's Office said his death was "consistent with a suicide."

Toxicology reports are pending in Goodman's death. Goodman's family said he bought the legal edibles at a nearby marijuana store in this town about 60 miles west of Denver and ate five pieces, the equivalent of five doses.

Arsenic in Wine - Is It Worth the Worry?

A guy who owns a testing laboratory is filing a lawsuit against wine makers, claiming that the wine has too much arsenic.  He tested over 1300 bottles of wine and found that 80ish had levels up to 50 ppb (parts per billion).

Should one worry?  Of course the mass media would have you worry (CBS News Report). 

EPA has set a level of 10ppb in drinking water.  And that level is based on drinking 2 L of water per day.  Certainly if you are drinking 2 L of wine per day everyday, your liver has bigger issues from the alcohol.

FDA has proposed a limit of 10 ppb for fruit juice, and although that is low, it was done considering that children are the top juice drinkers.  But I don't see a lot of children drinking wine.

The EU has a limit of 200 ppb of arsenic, and the Canadians have a limit of 100ppb.  So all of these wines would be safe for sale in Europe and Canada.

Arsenic is naturally found in nature, and can be found in many foods in low levels.

On topics such as this, we like to say that if you are still concerned from the risk, don't drink wine....the more for the rest of us (of course, always consumed in a responsible way). 

 

NPR - The Salt

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/03/25/395091550/arsenic-in-california-wines-should-drinkers-be-concerned
Arsenic In California Wines: Should Drinkers Be Concerned?
MARCH 25, 2015 4:12 PM ET

ALLISON AUBRE

There's been a lot of buzz around the story that some inexpensive California wines, including a Charles Shaw (aka two-buck Chuck) white Zinfandel sold at Trader Joe's, have been found to contain traces of arsenic.

The wines were tested by a commercial laboratory called BeverageGrades. And alawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court against a group of wine producers claims two other labs confirmed tests that found arsenic levels in some wines exceeded what is allowed in drinking water.

With headlines like "Very High Levels of Arsenic" In Top-Selling Wines (from CBS's website), it's not a surprise that some wine drinkers are mystified. Since more than a few burning questions crossed our minds here at The Salt, we went looking for answers.

How does arsenic end up in food and wine?