EDF Report Finds Lead in 1 in 5 Baby Food Samples

(Washington, D.C. – June 15, 2017) A new report released today by Environmental Defense Fund showed lead frequently detected in certain types of baby foods. The report examined a decade’s worth of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data and found lead in 20% of baby food samples. No safe level of lead in blood has been identified. In young children, even very low blood lead levels can cause behavioral problems and lower IQ. EDF’s report builds on a prior federal analysis indicating that food is a meaningful source of children’s exposure to lead.

 “Every child’s food should come unleaded,” said Sarah Vogel, Vice President of EDF’s Health Program. “Unfortunately, food is a poorly understood and often overlooked source of lead exposure, a potent neurotoxin. Our report should serve as a call to action for government and business alike to better protect children.”

 EDF’s report evaluated publicly available data collected and analyzed by FDA from 2003 to 2013 as part of the agency’s Total Diet Study (TDS). Since the 1970s, the TDS has tracked metals, pesticides, and other contaminants in samples of 286 types of food, including 57 designated by FDA as baby food. This represents the most recent available data from the TDS. The TDS does not track brands, though EDF has submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain brand-level information.

 The EDF analysis found lead in at least one sample of 52 of 57 types of baby food. Notably, regular apple juice, grape juice, and carrots had fewer samples with detectable levels of lead than the baby food versions. Lead was most commonly found in the following baby foods:

• Fruit juices: 89% of grape juice samples contained detectable levels of lead, mixed fruit (67%), apple (55%), and pear (45%). Orange juice had much lower rates.
• Root vegetables: Sweet potatoes (86%) and carrots (43%)
• Cookies: Arrowroot cookies (64%) and teething biscuits (47%)

 Last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics stated that, “the key to preventing lead toxicity in children is to reduce or eliminate persistent sources of lead exposure in their environment.” The National Toxicology Program in the National Institutes of Health has determined that, in young children, even very low blood lead levels are associated with lower academic achievement, IQ, and greater incidence of attention-related behaviors and problem behaviors.

 “We found that food is a concerning source of young children’s exposure to lead,” said Tom Neltner, EDF Health’s Chemicals Policy Director. “While paint and drinking water are the greatest sources of lead in most children living in older homes, all children get some lead from their diet. Even low levels in blood can cause harm. FDA and food manufacturers can and must take action to reduce lead levels in food.”

 “We don’t know precisely where the lead in food is coming from,” said Maricel Maffini, a consultant for EDF. “Contaminated soil is one likely option. However, we don’t know why lead was more frequently detected in baby foods than the regular versions. The fact that 55 percent of baby food apple juice samples have detectable levels of lead compared to 25 percent for regular apple juice deserves more examination.”   

 EDF recommends that FDA update its standards, encourage manufacturers to reduce lead levels in food, and take enforcement action when limits are exceeded. The report calls on companies to test products more frequently, set a goal of less than 1 ppb of lead in baby food, ensure that no lead gets into food from processing, and communicate to consumers its standards and the results of testing.

 EDF suggests that parents can take action by asking their favorite brands whether the company regularly tests their products for lead and ensures that levels of lead are less than 1 ppb in the food they sell. All parents should consult their pediatrician to discuss steps they can take to reduce the risks of lead exposure.

 Today, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) is introducing legislation to force the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take action to strengthen federal lead limits for baby food and fruit juice.

 “Lead is dangerous for anyone, but particularly for children. Kids can suffer a lifetime of health and developmental problems if exposed to lead, which is why we must do everything possible to eliminate this health threat,” Booker said. “It’s unacceptable that lead is so prevalent in the food we give our children, and this bill will force the FDA to act quickly to strengthen lead limits for baby food, fruit juice, and other foods commonly consumed by children.”

 The full report can be found at http://www.edf.org/lead-in-food.