Advances in Research on the Influence of Processing on the Contents of Heavy Metals in Rice and Wheat
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Abstract:
Rice and wheat are staple grain crops in China, however, they are susceptible to the enrichment of heavy metal elements during their growth. The heavy metal elements in rice and wheat enter the human body via the supply chain, and an excessive intake of heavy metal elements does great harms to the human health. In China, the soils or irrigation water sources in some crop growing areas are contaminated by industrial wastes, causing the contents of heavy metals in the crops to exceed the relevant standards (which poses a great threat to food safety). Current studies have shown that the contents of heavy metals in rice and wheat are greatly influenced by the processes and methods. Husking, milling and other processes can reduce the contents of heavy metals in rice to different extents; wheat flour milling can also reduce the contents of heavy metals in wheat flour. However, processing machinery may also cause secondary heavy metal contamination of products. The clarification of the influence of processing on the contents of heavy metals in rice and wheat is important for designing and controlling the processing steps of rice and wheat. This paper introduces briefly the chemical valence of the heavy metals in rice and wheat and their distribution in different in parts of the grain structures, and reviews mainly the influence of typical processing steps on the contents of heavy metals in rice and wheat. A summary of the research status is also provided, with the aim of providing a reference for preventing and controlling heavy metal contamination during rice and wheat processing.
