What Counts as a ‘Concerning’ Level of a Contaminant?

To determine what constituted a level of concern, CR estimated daily contaminant intake from one manufacturer-recommended serving for a child weighing 23.1 kilograms (approximately 51 pounds) and compared those estimates, where applicable, with health-based exposure limits from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). CR considered consumption of one serving per day to be of health concern when the Hazard Quotient exceeded 1 for inorganic arsenic or DEHP, exposure exceeded 100 percent of OEHHA’s Maximum Allowable Dose Level for cadmium or lead, or exposure exceeded 100 percent of OEHHA’s No Significant Risk Level for acrylamide or GE. For heavy metals detected in some, but not all, samples of a product, CR assigned results below the method detection limit a concentration equal to half that limit when estimating average concentrations to account for uncertainty associated with nondetects.

CR emphasized that its analysis was intended to identify products with comparatively higher contaminant levels, rather than determine regulatory compliance or the point at which exposure would cause measurable adverse health effects.

Process Contaminants Were Primary Concern

Acrylamide, which can form when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures, was detected in 13 of 14 tested products. Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars had the highest reported level, at 10.1 micrograms (µg) per 42-gram serving, followed by Lay’s Classic Potato Chips at 7.37 µg per 28-gram serving and Snyder’s Mini Pretzels at 4.48 µg per 28-gram serving. Based on its risk assessment, CR recommended limiting consumption of the tested products containing concerning acrylamide levels.

GE, another class of process contaminants associated with refined vegetable oils, were detected in 11 of 14 products, with seven exceeding CR’s level of concern. Takis Fuego Tortilla Chips had the highest reported concentration at 3.41 µg per serving, followed by Doritos Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips at 2.85 µg and Annie’s Organic Cheddar Bunnies at 2.01 µg.

Half of the products tested contained 3-MCPD, but none exceeded CR’s level of concern.

The Presence of Phthalates

Of the 21 products tested, ten contained measurable phthalates, and three exceeded CR’s level of concern for di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP): Annie’s Organic Cheddar Bunnies, Slim Jim Mild Snack Size Sticks, and Clif Zbar Chocolate Chip. Total phthalate concentrations in these products ranged from 744–1,330 nanograms per serving.

Heavy Metals Comparatively Low

On the other hand, heavy metal findings were less frequent and at lower concentrations. None of the products contained inorganic arsenic or lead at levels CR considered concerning, and mercury was not detected. Cadmium was measured in 15 of 21 products, but only Gimme Roasted Seaweed Snacks exceeded CR’s level of concern sufficiently for the organization to recommend limiting consumption.

Absence of FDA Maximum Limits and Industry Dispute

CR noted that FDA has not established maximum limits for most of the contaminants evaluated in the tested foods, although the agency has established action levels or issued nonbinding guidance for certain contaminants and food categories.

Mondelez International referred CR to the Consumer Brands Association (CBA) for comment, and no other brands offered a statement. CBA disagreed with the report, saying, “Food and beverage manufacturers adhere to the rigorous, evidence-based safety standards established by FDA, which is the national expert on the safety of America’s food supply, not Consumer Reports. Many of the substances highlighted in the report occur naturally in food or are formed during preparation.”