The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set maximum levels for lead in baby foods, aiming to reduce young kids’ exposure to the toxic metal that causes developmental and neurological problems. The agency’s voluntary limits could lower lead exposure from processed baby foods by 20-30%. However, consumer advocates argue the guidelines don’t go far enough.
The new limits, which apply to certain ingredients like fruits, vegetables, yogurts, and dry cereal, set a maximum of 10 parts per billion for most products. Single-ingredient root vegetables and dry infant cereals are capped at 20 parts per billion. The move comes after a lead-tainted pouches of apple cinnamon puree sickened over 560 children in the US between October 2023 and April 2024.
Experts say there’s no safe level of lead exposure for children, which can cause brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth, and development issues. While the FDA’s guidelines are a step forward, consumer advocates claim they’re not strong enough to protect public health.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/lead-baby-food-fda-guidelines-4883f8afe285ee7c28e8322d5e353f21