The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced new guidelines on Tuesday to reduce lead exposure in processed infant foods.
While recommended and not required, the FDA’s new proposed action levels “could result in a 24-27% reduction in lead exposure from these foods,” according to FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf.
The guidelines, which are used when considering enforcement action, apply to processed foods intended for infants and children under the age of two.
“Action levels are a regulatory tool that the FDA uses to help reduce levels of chemical contaminants in foods when a certain level of a contaminant is unavoidable, such as due to environmental factors,” the FDA said. “Just as fruits, vegetables and grains readily absorb vital nutrients from the environment, these foods also absorb contaminants, such as lead, that can be harmful to health.”
A report from a U.S. House Oversight subcommittee in early 2021 urged regulators to set maximum levels of toxic heavy metals allowed in the multibillion-dollar baby food industry. April 2021
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