The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is setting guidelines for lead levels in processed baby foods like jarred fruits and vegetables for the first time.
Part of an effort to reduce exposure to the toxic metal that causes developmental and neurological problems in children. action The measure announced Monday provides only voluntary — not mandatory — limits for food manufacturers. But if the agency finds foods that exceed its recommended limits, it can take enforcement action.
FDA guidance limits lead levels to 10 parts per billion for fruits, most vegetables, grain and meat mixes, yogurt, custards and puddings, and single-ingredient meats for children under 2 years of age. It sets a limit of 20 parts per billion for single-ingredient root vegetables and dry baby cereals.
The directive covers packaged processed foods sold in jars, pouches, tubs or boxes. In contrast, the new limits do not cover grain-based snacks such as puffs and teething biscuits, although some research indicates the products contain high levels of lead. It also does not limit other metals such as cadmium found in baby food,
“Today's action by the FDA is a step forward and will help protect children,” said Thomas Galligan, a scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. “However, the agency took too long to act and ignored important public input that could have strengthened these standards.”
Between October 2023 and April 2024, more than 560 children fell ill after eating it. lead apple cinnamon According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, puree. The amount of lead found in those products was 2,000 times the FDA's maximum allowable limit.
Lead exposure in utero, infancy, and early childhood can cause harmful neurological effects such as learning and behavioral disabilities and reduced IQ. For adults, chronic lead exposure is linked to kidney dysfunction, high blood pressure, and neurological effects.
Contributed to this report.