(The Center Square) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced new maximum allowable lead levels in baby foods for the first time to reduce potential health risks to infants and young children that cause developmental and neurological issues.
The announcement by the FDA is a historical step at reducing children’s exposure to toxic metals, addressing concerns about lead contamination in food products like jarred or pouches of fruits, vegetables, and meat, as well as dry cereal and yogurts, according to the agency.
According to the FDA, the new limits will vary by food type and set new thresholds at 10 parts billion for fruits, vegetables, grain- and meat-based mixtures, yogurts, custards or puddings, and single-ingredient meats, packaged in jars, pouches, or tubs.
Dry cereal and single-ingredient root vegetables thresholds will be 20 ppb.
The guidance titled “Action Levels for Lead in Processed Food Intended for Babies and Young Children: Guidance for Industry” is part of the FDA’s Closer to Zero initiative to reduce exposure to toxic elements from foods eaten by babies and young children.
The new levels are intended to minimize the risk of any development delays, behavioral problems, and other adverse health effects that are linked to lead exposure.
“Even low lead exposure can harm children’s health and development, specifically the brain and nervous system. Neurological effects of lead exposure during early childhood include learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties, and lowered IQ,” stated the FDA.
The FDA estimates that the new regulations could reduce lead exposure to infants and young children by 20% to 30%.
The new guidance for children younger than two does not cover infant formula, beverages, or snack foods like puffs and teething biscuits.
“FDA recommends that the industry producing the foods in this guidance continue to work to lower the lead concentrations in these products to the greatest extent possible under current good manufacturing practices,” the FDA stated.
Lead contamination can occur during farming, where soil and water could contain traces of the heavy metal, or during processing and packaging.
The presence of lead in baby food has been a longstanding concern, yet despite the measures to reduce contamination, reports in recent years revealed troubling levels of lead and other heavy metals in popular baby food brands.
In 2021, a Congressional report highlighted that many products contained lead, arsenic, and cadmium exceeding recommended thresholds. This report prompted a public outcry and calls for stricter oversight.
The new limits are voluntary, not mandatory, for food manufacturers. Still, the FDA stated it “does not need an action level or guidance to take action with respect to a food product that is in violation of the law.”
