January 25, 2023 – The FDA requires baby food manufacturers to scale back the lead content of their products by 25%.
Lead affects brain development in young children and might impair intelligence and cause behavioral and learning disorders. Children under 2 years of age are particularly sensitive to steer because their bodies are so small they usually are developing so quickly.
“Although it is not possible to completely remove these elements from the food supply, we expect that the recommended action levels will prompt manufacturers to take agricultural and processing measures to reduce the lead content of their foods below the proposed action levels,” the FDA said in a opinion on Tuesday.
The changes apply to packaged foods for kids under two, resembling jars, bags, cups and boxes. Lead levels in most products will probably be capped at 10 parts per billion, but double that quantity will probably be allowed for single-ingredient root vegetables and dry cereals.
The measure is an element of the agency's ongoing campaign to scale back exposure to harmful substances in food. Sources of lead in food include contaminated soil or water where crops are grown, lead within the air from industrial activities and lead in food processing equipment.
In his Instructions for manufacturersAccording to the FDA, other measures to scale back lead could include thoroughly peeling root vegetables, thoroughly washing vegetables and fruit, purchasing products with proven lower lead levels, increased lead testing, and checking facilities and equipment.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also offers parents this Tips to scale back the lead exposure of their children through their food regimen:
- Offer quite a lot of foods, as different foods have different levels of lead. And read the ingredient list, as sometimes the primary ingredient listed is similar on many foods and should be different from the flavour on the package.
- Test your tap water recurrently, especially if you’ve well water.
- Avoid fruit juices as they could contain higher metals than baby food.