The FDA proposes new targets to limit lead in baby food

Posted By TheNewsCommenter: From Npr.org: “The FDA proposes new targets to limit lead in baby food”. Below is an excerpt from the article.

New guidance calls for lower lead levels in food for babies and children under 2. Lead exposure can be harmful to developing brains. Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty hide caption

New guidance calls for lower lead levels in food for babies and children under 2. Lead exposure can be harmful to developing brains.

It's not possible to remove all traces of lead from the food supply, because the heavy metal is found throughout the environment and can be absorbed by plants. So traces are found in the vegetables, fruits and grains that are used to make baby food.

But as toxic metal exposure can be harmful to developing brains, the Food and Drug Administration is issuing new guidelines to reduce children's exposure to the lowest level possible.

The new FDA guidance calls for limiting lead concentrations in all processed foods intended for babies and children less than two years old. Lead concentrations should now be limited to 10 parts per billion in fruits, vegetables and meats packaged in baby food jars, pouches, tubs and boxes. The target is 20 parts per billion for dry cereals.

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