Sweden’s National Food Agency wants to see a Europe-wide review of phosphorus levels in food after a recent study found that high doses of the chemical can double the risk of premature death.
Newspaper Svenska Dagbladet writes that Swedish men on average consumer more than what is recommeded on a daily basis.
An American study found that those consuming more than 1400 mg of phosphorus per day had an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and premature death. Svenska Dagbladet reports that the recommended daily intake is 600 mg per day.
In Sweden, the average intake according to the National Food Agency is 1,242 mg for women and 1,541 mg for men. That means that almost half the population is above the level associated with the new study.
As a result, the agency wants to see a review of phosphorus use in food. Nils-Gunnar Ilbäck, a professor of toxicology at the agency, told Svenska Dagbladet that the question surrounding phosphates levels is already classified as a high priority within the EU.
“Under current plans, a review will be done in 2018 but I think it will come sooner. This is an important issue and we are trying to push on it,” Ilbäck said.
The study discovered phosphates in various food items, namely frozen meals, dry spice mixes, processed meat products and carbonated soft drinks.
Source: Radio Sweden
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