CGC study shows drop in cadmium levels in durum exports

A Canadian Grain Commission study confirms a decrease in cadmium concentration in Canadian durum exports.

Cadmium is a  naturally occurring heavy metal that, because of its presence in soil, can be a food contaminant. 

Dr. Sheryl Tittlemier with the CGC says high cadmium levels are a concern as they can lead to various negative health effects if consumers have large exposures to it. 

For this study, Dr. Tittlemier and her team monitored export shipments of Canadian durum wheat for cadmium concentrations from 1992 to 2020. 

The survey found that cadmium concentrations have consistently declined since the establishment of the durum breeding program in 1991 that prioritized low cadmium accumulation, and the addition of a low cadmium accumulation variety registration requirement in 2004.