The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced new voluntary guidelines aimed at reducing lead levels in processed baby foods. These guidelines target baby food manufacturers, encouraging them to lower lead contamination in their products.
The new guidelines recommend that baby food manufacturers keep lead levels below 10 parts per billion (ppb) in items like yogurt, custard, pudding, and various fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats. For single-ingredient root vegetables and dry cereals, the recommended lead limit is set at 20ppb.
The FDA acknowledged that it is impossible to eliminate lead entirely from the environment or food supply. Lead is naturally present in the environment and has been introduced by human activities over time. However, the agency stated that setting action levels, such as those announced in the new guidelines, can help reduce contaminants in food when complete removal isn’t possible.
In a statement, the FDA explained that these measures are part of an ongoing initiative to “reduce dietary exposure to contaminants, including lead, in foods to as low as possible over time” while still ensuring that nutritious foods remain available.
The guidelines, which were first proposed two years ago, focus on packaged processed foods intended for children under the age of two. These include foods in jars, pouches, tubs, or boxes, such as purees and dry infant cereals. However, the guidelines do not apply to infant formula, beverages, or snack foods like puffs and teething biscuits. Lead levels in juices are addressed in a separate draft guidance.
While the guidelines are not mandatory, the FDA said they aim to encourage manufacturers to maintain lead levels below the recommended action limits. The agency also noted that it would consider these levels, along with other relevant information, when determining whether to take enforcement action in specific cases.
Following the FDA’s announcement, Thomas Galligan, a principal scientist with the Center for Science in the Public Interest, called the new guidelines “a step forward” in protecting children. However, Galligan also criticized the FDA for taking too long to act and for not incorporating public input that could have strengthened the standards.
“The action levels are not binding limits, but voluntary recommendations,” Galligan said. “We hope these voluntary levels will encourage the industry to improve its practices to better protect kids.”
Lead exposure can be harmful to children’s health, causing brain and nervous system damage, as well as slowed growth and development, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between October 2023 and April 2024, more than 550 children across over 40 states became ill after consuming cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products that contained elevated lead levels.
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