What to know about the new lead guidelines for baby food

For the first time ever, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released guidelines for the levels of lead in processed baby food.

This includes baby food in jars, pouches, tubs and boxes as well as purees and dry infant cereals, but it does not cover grain-based snacks, like teething biscuits and puffs.

The action levels specify 10 parts per billion for fruits, vegetables, mixtures, yogurts, custards/puddings and single-ingredient meats; 20 parts per billion for single-ingredient root vegetables; and 20 parts per billion for dry infant cereals.

The guidance is part of the FDA’s Closer to Zero initiative, which aims to reduce children’s exposure to contaminants, like lead in food, while making sure nutritious food is accessible.

Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal, but it is not safe to consume at any level. Over time, lead can accumulate in the body and cause a host of health problems, including developmental and physical growth delays in children and cardiovascular issues, kidney and reproductive problems in adults. Lead is especially dangerous to children, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.

“While this is a step in the right direction, this is only guidance for food manufacturers, so it is not mandatory that they follow the recommendations on lead levels in baby foods,” explains Dr. Lindsay Newburn, a pediatrician at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “However, the FDA can take action if companies are manufacturing food that has higher lead than is outlined in the guidance.”

She supports the United States Department of Agriculture’s recommendation to feed children foods from all the food groups to avoid repeated exposure to the same contaminant. In addition, she advises washing produce thoroughly before serving it to children, eating fewer canned foods and consuming more foods high in iron, calcium and vitamin C to help decrease the amount of lead absorbed by the body.

Primary care providers often perform routine lead screening on children aged 9 months to 6 years old based on risk factors and zip codes in accordance with Department of Public Health recommendations.

“If you are concerned about your baby or child’s lead levels, consult with their pediatrician,” Dr. Newburn recommends.

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