Chapter 13 - Cadmium in fertiliers/peanuts: Oz

Cadmium in fertilizers/peanuts: Oz

Cadmium is a natural occurring mineral that causes kidney damages if eaten in large amounts. It is found in many leafy green vegetables and also meat. There was large amount of these found in food. Therefore, there was regulation set up to reduce the number of cadmium present in the food.

The ministry had agreed on that only 0.1mg/kg of cadmium is allowed and this is set up in 17 December 1998. In this way, the intake of cadmium will be very low through food ad this would be safe for people who love eating seafood.

http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/newsroom/factsheets/factsheets1999/cadmiuminpeanuts.cfm

There is also reducing cadmium added to the plants in order to reduce the direct intake of cadmium which human have. It is also to stop the accumulation cadmium in soil. It would limit to 60mg/kg and 20mg/kg in 10 years time. It had been researched on and 60mg/kg is still a fast accumulation while 20mg/kg would be slow.

http://www.environmental-expert.com/articles/article1346/article1346.htm

My point of view

This would be very good as the lesser cadmium used would mean lesser harm to the environment and also to human. Reducing the amount of cadmium also protects the plants from too much chemicals. These cadmium might also be washed off to the river and pollute the river if not handled properly or applied too much.

20-05-07 8.26pm