Total Arsenic and Lead Content in Cookies

• Biscuits

Biscuits are made of wheat flour (added glutinous rice flour, starch, etc.) as the main raw material, with (or without) sugar, oil and other raw materials, powder mixing (or pulping), molding, baking and other processes to form crispy or loose taste food.

• The Damage of Arsenic to the Human Body

Arsenic is a metallic element with the symbol As. Arsenic is widely found in nature. Up to now, hundreds of arsenic minerals have been discovered. On October 27, 2017, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer published a list of carcinogens containing arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds. Studies have shown that when the arsenic content in beverages is low (10-30 mg/g), it can lead to growth retardation, decreased pregnancy, increased abortion and mortality. The in vivo biochemical function of arsenic has not been determined, but it is believed that arsenic may play a role in some enzymatic reactions. Since arsenate-substituted phosphate acts as an activator of enzymatic reaction, arsenite reacts with thiol as an inhibitor of the enzymatic reaction, which can significantly affect the activity of certain enzymes. It has been observed that patients with hemodialysis have reduced levels of arsenic, which may be associated with central nervous system diseases and vascular diseases.

Figure1. Arsenic

• The Harm of Lead to the Human Body

Excessive blood lead levels may affect the metabolism of heme and decrease the rate of nerve conduction. Calcium deficiency, zinc deficiency and hemoglobin synthesis disorders may occur, which may result in low immunity, learning difficulties, inattention, and decreased IQ, or physical retardation, variable personality, irritability, hyperactivity, aggressive behavior, movement disorders, vision and hearing loss, unexplained abdominal pain, anemia, arrhythmia and other symptoms of poisoning, kidney damage, encephalopathy and even death.

Figure 2. Lead

• Source of Arsenic and Lead in Biscuits

Heavy metals are mainly derived from various food additives in biscuits (such as potassium sorbate, sweeteners, and sodium benzoate.), which is unavoidable in most cases. But as long as it meets the standard, it will not cause harm to the human body.

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