Uncovering the Risks of Organic Arsenic Compounds in Our Food

Recent scientific findings have shed light on the potential health risks posed by certain organic arsenic compounds found in various food sources. The European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) comprehensive risk assessment has revealed that exposure to dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) can raise health concerns, while monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) does not appear to pose a significant risk for any age group.

Exposing the Hidden Dangers in Our Diets

The Arsenic Conundrum in Our Food Supply

The study conducted by EFSA has uncovered that the highest concentrations of these organic arsenic compounds are found in rice, algae, and seafood. Alarmingly, traces of DMA have even been detected in breast milk, raising concerns about the potential impact on infant health. The analysis further revealed that the highest chronic dietary exposure to DMA was estimated in toddlers, with rice and fish being the primary contributors across all population groups.

Assessing the Health Risks of Organic Arsenic Compounds

Experts have expressed concern that exposure to DMA raises a health risk, particularly for high consumers, due to its association with higher bladder cancer rates in rats. However, the results of studies involving DMA in mice have been inconsistent, and do not provide conclusive evidence of carcinogenicity. In contrast, for MMA, the highest chronic dietary exposures were estimated for high consumers of fish and processed or preserved fish in the infants and elderly age groups.

Filling the Knowledge Gaps on Organoarsenic Species

The EFSA's risk assessment also highlighted the insufficient toxicological data available for other small organoarsenic species, leading to their exclusion from the current evaluation. The comprehensive study involved literature searches, estimates based on available consumption data, reported occurrence data, and feedback from a public comment period.

The EU's Ongoing Efforts to Safeguard Food Safety

The European Commission has requested four scientific opinions from EFSA on arsenic in food, with the first addressing inorganic arsenic published in January 2024. The second opinion, which is the focus of this article, covers the assessment of small organoarsenic species. Parts three and four, addressing complex organoarsenic species and combined exposure to inorganic and organic arsenic, are scheduled to be completed by early 2025.

Laying the Foundation for Regulatory Action

The initial assessment by EFSA revealed that consumer exposure to inorganic arsenic in food raises health concerns, such as an increased risk of skin cancer. The findings of the latest opinion on small organoarsenic species provide the EU Commission with a scientific basis to potentially set maximum levels for MMA and DMA in food, should they choose to do so. However, no such limits have been established thus far.

Recommendations for Advancing Arsenic Research and Monitoring

EFSA experts have provided several recommendations to address the knowledge gaps and improve the understanding of the risks associated with small organoarsenic species. These include improving analytical methods, continuing to collect occurrence data in foods, and conducting further research on the effects of these compounds.