Report: Vinegars a possible risk to kids

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- The Environmental Health Sciences organization said Monday that U.S. children could be at risk by consuming certain vinegars containing lead.

The journalism organization said on its Environmental Health News Web site that, according to a new analysis, lead found in balsamic and other red wine vinegars could significantly increase a child's lead level.

Levels of the potent neurotoxin in a child could be raised by more than 30 percent if the child consumes a tablespoon daily of those vinegars, Environmental Health Sciences said.

Unidentified vinegar industry representatives insist their products are safe to consume, pointing out that lead can be found in a variety of food products.

Scientific studies indicate that a child can experience learning disorders or a diminished IQ from having low levels of lead in the body. Increased lead levels in adults have been known to impact individuals' cardiovascular and immune systems, along with their kidneys.

Environmental Health Services said a list of vinegars with lower lead levels is available on environmentalhealthnews.org.