Metagenics’ responds to ConsumerReports.org’s report on arsenic in food
ConsumerReports.org (CR) 1 and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 2 recently reported findings of ‘measurable’ levels of arsenic in a host of rice products including whole rice, infant cereal, hot cereal, ready-to-eat cereal, rice cakes and crackers, rice pasta, rice flour, rice drinks, rice syrup, and rice vinegar. Of interest, related to both current and prior arsenic reporting, higher levels were found in what are considered more natural and healthier food choices such as organic and brown rice and other foods including fruits such as apples and pears and their juice. 3,4 The intent of the recent reporting by Consumer’s Union, the advocacy arm of CR, was not to report new or unknown sources of arsenic exposure, but to encourage the FDA to set statutory limits for arsenic in foods similar to what has been in place for drinking water. Metagenics, a company with unsurpassed commitment to safety and the production of only top quality products, agree with ConsumerReports.org that consumer’s safety be a primary concern.
As noted, the report of arsenic in rice and other foodstuffs is not a novel finding as there are historical reporting dating back decades. Specifically, regarding arsenic in the diet, the FDA reported back in 1999 that “of the estimated total arsenic intakes [in the USA] seafood contributes 76-90% for children (2-10-year olds), 79-85% for 14-16-year olds, and 89-96% for adults (> or = 25-30-year olds).” On the other hand, rice and rice cereals contributed but single-digit percent for all age groups; adults and children. 5 It is not unexpected that arsenic is found in foods as it is a ubiquitous and naturally occurring element in the environment. As such, humans are exposed to arsenic from the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat.
While CR and the industry in general await the FDAs decision in this matter, as the ultimate manufacturer of quality and clinically evaluated medical foods, functional foods, and dietary supplements, Metagenics is not waiting but has taken the lead in producing supplements with the highest safety standard for consumers. 6 For more than 20 years Metagenics has maintained one of the highest budgets for Research & Development, one which supports a large internal staff of quality control and assurance (QA/QC) personnel, a full internal testing laboratory, and cooperation with third-party laboratories to verify in-house and raw material vendor quality review. Metagenics personnel have gained experience in supplement manufacture, ingredient quality, and third-party and FDA cGMP compliance becoming valued teachers to other dietary supplement suppliers and manufacturers regarding raw material quality selection and vendor qualification. 7
Specifically, regarding rice-based medical and functional foods, since the inception of the rice-based medical and functional foods Metagenics has maintained an extensive testing program for all raw materials, batch-by-batch, and this testing has always included heavy metal testing, including arsenic. Also, Metagenics has utilized the same rice supplier since the inception of the medical foods. Too, Metagenics dictates to its raw material suppliers the quality required to be an approved supplier to Metagenics. It is of import to understand that the majority of raw material suppliers are not able to meet the strict quality requirements of Metagenics; quality that does not simply meet third-part and FDA cGMP but exceeds all requirements. Only the top ingredient suppliers are able to meet the strict requirements of Metagenics, a global company certified by USA GMP, Australian TGA, and European ISO standards of quality.
Metagenics commitment to clinical efficacy, quality in ingredient selection, and excellence in manufacture, provides assurance that its medical foods, functional foods, and dietary supplements have the identity, strength, composition, quality, and purity required for “safe” human use. 8
At no time is Metagenics surprised by what is reported in the peer literature as Metagenics long dedication to science ensures Metagenics science and quality teams have long since thoroughly reviewed, investigated, and ensured manufacture of clinically effective and safe products. It is Metagenics guarantee that “better ingredients mean better results,” all part of Metagenics quality assurance. 9 Few companies compare, few companies work as hard as Metagenics to earn patient and practitioner trust. It’s been our way since day one of Metagenics. Metagenics commitment to quality and efficacy is unmatched.
1. GMP-certified manufacturing. If it's on the label, it's in the bottle—guaranteed. Our manufacturing facility is certified for good manufacturing practices (GMP) by the Natural Products Association (NPA), National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), and the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA) to ensure the highest quality standards.
2. Pure ingredients. Identity tested on multiple levels. We accept nothing less than the best we can find. We quarantine each raw material then test each thoroughly to support quality, safety, and efficacy. On formulas requiring especially sensitive or perishable ingredients, we conduct additional testing—above and beyond the testing required of us by the Food and Drug Administration current good manufacturing practices, or cGMPs. A batch of each final product is then tested again for purity as an added safety measure and confirmation of quality.
3. Safety-reviewed ingredients. We won't create a formula without them. We don't even think of using an ingredient in a formula without a thorough literature search on its predicted safety in use as a nutritional supplement. Metagenics maintains an onsite research staff and medical information center with access to thousands of peer-reviewed scientific publications. We review published studies and articles on every new natural ingredient we consider using in our products. It's an added assurance for products you can trust.
4. Human clinical evaluations. The surest way to show effectiveness. The best way to test effectiveness and safety of a nutritional product is to see how it works with real patients. The Functional Medicine Research Center℠ (FMRC)—the clinical research arm of Metagenics—is an on-site clinic staffed by medical professionals who recommend our nutritional approaches and monitor their success. The FMRC also conducts clinical trials that have been published in respected peer-reviewed journals. No other company in our market segment can offer this kind of first-hand knowledge that can only be achieved a clinical setting.
5. Scientific staff and facilities. The best in our business. Not every professional nutrition company has its own staff of dedicated medical and technical professionals. We have one of the largest in-house scientific staffs—MDs, PhDs, and others—in our industry segment. 9
Thank you for your continued trust in Metagenics. It is Metagenics commitment to continue to earn your and your patients trust and confidence.
Sincerely.
Your Metagenics family.
1. Consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/11/arsenic-in-your-food/index.htm
2. Fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodContaminantsAdulteration/Metals/ucm319948.htm
3. Consumerreports.org/health/2012/02/new-study-finds-arsenic-in-infant-formula-cereal-bars.html
4. Consumerreports.org/cro/consumer-reports-magazine-january-2012/arsenic-in-your-juice/index.htm
5. Food Addit Contam. 1999 Nov;16(11):465-72. Dietary arsenic intakes in the United States: FDA Total Diet Study, September 1991-December 1996. Tao SS, Bolger PM.
6. Metagenics.com/about/quality-difference/quality-assurance
7. Bizjournals.com/prnewswire/press_releases/2010/06/17/DC23220
8. Nsf.org/business/gmp/index.asp?program=GoodManPra
9. Metagenics.com/about/quality-difference
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