Research that will upset pasta lovers! Toxic substance detected in 34 of 36 products

A study highlighting the pasta products frequently consumed by consumers in France was conducted. In the work carried out by the consumer rights magazine 60 Million de Consommateurs, 36 different pasta products sold in supermarkets were examined.

In the study, which also included products from popular brands such as Barilla, Lustucru and Panzani, half of the packages were selected as spaghetti and the other half as penne. Analyses found cadmium in 34 of the 36 products. Only two gluten‑free pastas were reported to contain no cadmium.

Highest Level in Barilla’s Whole‑Wheat Pasta

The study’s results showed that one of the highest cadmium levels was found in Barilla’s whole‑wheat products.

In Barilla’s whole‑wheat penne, cadmium was measured at 0.066 milligrams per kilogram, and in its spaghetti at 0.071 milligrams per kilogram.

EU regulations set an upper limit of 0.18 milligrams per kilogram for cadmium in durum wheat used in pasta production. While the study notes that the measured values fall below this threshold, experts point out that long‑term exposure remains a health concern.

How Does Cadmium Get Into Pasta?

According to the study, one of the main reasons for the cadmium differences among products could be the soil in which the raw material was grown.

Cadmium can be found naturally in soil. However, the rise in its amount in soil due to agricultural activities and environmental pollution can increase cadmium accumulation in products such as wheat.

Thus, products obtained from processing wheat grown in soils with high cadmium levels can also contain higher amounts of heavy metals.

It Can Pose a Risk to the Kidneys

Cadmium is among heavy metals that possess toxic and carcinogenic properties. This substance can be found not only in pasta but also in various foods such as bread, potatoes, and breakfast cereals.

According to data released by the French Food, Environment and Occupational Health and Safety Agency (ANSES) in March 2026, a significant portion of cadmium exposure in France is food‑borne. It was stated that food is the main source of cadmium exposure for 98 % of the non‑smoking population.

It is noted that long‑term cadmium exposure can have adverse effects on the kidneys, and that regular, high‑level consumption is a significant risk factor.

French People Consume 9.3 Kilograms of Pasta Annually

Pasta is also among the key foods on French tables. It is noted that the annual per‑capita pasta consumption is about 9.3 kg, and that more than half of the population eats pasta at least once a week.

Christine Petit, Secretary‑General of the French Pasta Producers Association, stated that the use of durum wheat in pasta production is mandatory under national regulations.

Petit said that increasing competition and a decline in domestic wheat production have led to a rise in imported pasta.