Cadmium in Your Food Is a Global Health Crisis

Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, is in your rice, leafy greens, root vegetables, and grains. A new study estimates the global health burden from eating it every day.

What the Study Found

A 2026 study estimated the global burden and health risks from dietary and cigarette-related cadmium exposure. Cadmium accumulates in the kidneys and bones, causes cancer, and damages the cardiovascular system. Dietary exposure alone is enough to cause harm.

Cadmium is absorbed by crops from contaminated soil and fertilizers. The biggest food sources are rice, wheat, leafy vegetables, and potatoes.

What You Can Do

Vary your diet. Don't eat rice at every meal. Choose organic when possible (organic farms use fewer cadmium-containing fertilizers). Don't smoke. Support your kidney health.

Check out our non-toxic kitchen alternatives for safer food options.

Also see glass food containers for safer alternatives.

Source: Global Cadmium Burden Study (2026).