It’s “Closer to Zero” alright, but by inches, not leaps. The FDA on Jan. 6 released voluntary limits on 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.
Only lead was covered, not other heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury and cadmium. And it’s only voluntary. And it’s only aimed at children younger than 2 years old. And it doesn’t cover infant formula, beverages or snack foods like puffs and teething biscuits. And it's only taken four years to come into existence.
The limits are 10 parts per 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.
"Even low lead exposure can harm children's health and development, specifically the brain and nervous system,’ said an agency announcement. “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 20-30%.
The presence of lead in baby food has been a longstanding concern, yet despite measures to reduce contamination, reports in recent years revealed troubling levels of lead and other heavy metals in popular baby food brands.
This action is a part of the agency’s Closer to Zero initiative, launched in 2021 in response to heat from Congress. That year, a Congressional report found many products contained lead, arsenic, and cadmium exceeding recommended thresholds. That report prompted a public outcry and calls for stricter oversight.
Later that year, attorneys general from 23 states petitioned the FDA to take action against high levels of heavy metals in baby food.
"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.
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."