As we have previously blogged, in 2021, FDA initiated its Closer to Zero policy which identified actions the Agency will take to reduce exposure to toxic elements, including lead, to as low as possible while maintaining access to nutritious foods.
As part of this initiative, FDA has also evaluated mercury, cadmium, and arsenic in foods intended for babies and young children, as well as lead in juices. Under this initiative, FDA has prioritized babies and young children as they are especially vulnerable to lead exposure, which accumulates in the body over time.
Lead is naturally present in the environment, but human activities have also released elevated levels of lead, contaminating soil, water, and air. This contamination can affect crops used in food production.
Lead exposures can lead to developmental harm to children by causing learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties, lowered IQ, and may be associated with immunological, cardiovascular, and reproductive and or/developmental effects.
To address this concern, FDA established the following action levels in the final guidance for processed foods intended for babies and young children:
10 parts per billion (ppb) for fruits, vegetables (excluding single-ingredient root vegetables), mixtures (including grain- and meat-based mixtures), yogurts, custards/puddings, and single-ingredient meats;
20 ppb for single-ingredient root vegetables; and
20 ppb for dry infant cereals.
If a processed food intended for babies and young children reaches or exceeds the aforementioned levels of lead, the product will be considered adulterated within the meaning of section 402(a)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).
After publishing the final action levels, the Agency will establish a timeframe for assessing industry’s progress toward meeting the action levels and resume research to determine whether the scientific data supports efforts to further adjust the action levels.
