It is a star breakfast food, associated with a healthy and nutritious image. However, oatmeal is not without risks. In its May 2026 issue, 60 Million consumers reveals, with supporting analyses, widespread cadmium contamination in the products tested. A discovery that questions the long-term effects of our daily diet.
Cadmium detected in all products tested
The study conducted by the magazine, which is a reference in consumer defense, scrutinized 12 oatmeal references. Clear result: cadmium was detected in 100% of the samples.
The measured levels remain relatively low – between 0.008 and 0.019 mg/kg – but they are not trivial. Cadmium is a heavy metal naturally present in the environment, but also introduced by certain agricultural practices, notably via phosphate fertilizers.
Problem: it accumulates in the body. A daily consumption of oatmeal can thus represent up to a third of the tolerable weekly dose for an adult. And that’s without counting other food sources.
Food exposure already too high in France
This contamination is not an isolated case. As pointed out
60 Million consumersdiet constitutes up to 98% of cadmium exposure in non-smokers. Cereals, including oats, are among the main contributors.
The risk is insidious: at low but repeated doses, cadmium can cause toxic effects on the kidneys, bones or even increase the risk of cancer. A gradual accumulation which worries the health authorities, especially as the impregnation of the French has been increasing for several years.
“Healthy” products… but not impeccable
The investigation is not limited to cadmium. Good news: no pesticide residue was detected in the oat flakes analyzed. On the other hand, some products present other contaminations, such as mycotoxins or traces of arsenic and mercury.
This observation highlights a paradox: even simple, minimally processed foods deemed beneficial can contain undesirable substances. As the magazine reminds us, the issue is not to ban these products, but to diversify one’s diet to limit cumulative exposure.
The study of 60 Million consumers acts as a warning signal. Without being immediately dangerous, oatmeal contributes to overall exposure to cadmium which raises questions. In a context where health also depends on the plate, this survey reminds us of a reality that is often ignored: even the most virtuous foods are not completely free of risks.