Heavy Metals

Heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury are toxic or poisonous when these accumulate in the body due to exposure through food or water. These should not be present in higher than the limits specified in the national standards. We tested the 12 brands for presence of arsenic and lead. • For arsenic, the specified limit for curd is a maximum 1.1 ppm (mg/kg) as per FSS Regulations. Arsenic was

not detected in any of the tested brands, the detection limit being 0.05 mg/kg. • For lead, the specified limit for secondary milk products (curd is one) is 0.02 ppm (mg/kg) as per FSS

Regulations. Lead was not detected in any of the brands. Lead is extremely toxic to humans and affects the liver, kidneys, reproductive system and nervous system. Lead exposure can happen quietly and causes permanent problems, especially to the brain. Exposure to small amounts of lead over a long period of time is called chronic toxicity. Lead is particularly dangerous because once it gets into a person’s system, it is distributed throughout the body just like helpful minerals such as iron, calcium and zinc. And lead can cause harm wherever it lands in the body.