Study finds detectable levels of heavy metals in baby food
A study conducted by Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF), a children’s health advocacy group, revealed that tests on over 150 foods consumed by babies and toddlers found detectable levels of heavy metals in 95% of the products.
The study documented detectable amounts of lead, cadmium, and inorganic arsenic in commercial baby foods as well as other foods commonly consumed by young children, including infant formula, teething biscuits, cereals, and fruit juices. “Parents can’t shop their way out of these exposures by choosing organic foods or by switching from store-bought brands to homemade purees,” the study noted, because these elements are commonly found in many foods. The study recommended a number of actions that could be taken by government and food manufacturers to help address the issue. It also offered simple steps for parents to help minimize exposure.
HBBF is a member of the Baby Food Council, a broad-based group of food companies and academic, government, and NGO partners and advisors. The council seeks to reduce heavy metals levels in children’s food products to as low as reasonably achievable using best-in-class management techniques. Early efforts have focused on identifying foods and ingredients with the most potential to contribute to heavy metal exposure. The council will initially turn its attention to the environment, understanding that heavy metals are widely present in soil and water and may become part of foods as they grow.
Members of the Council are Beech-Nut Nutrition Company, Campbell Soup Company (Plum Organics), Cornell University, Environmental Defense Fund, Gerber Products Company, The Hain Celestial Group (Earth’s Best), Happy Family Organics, and Healthy Babies Bright Futures. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration serve as technical advisors.
More News
FDA amends its procedures for dairy, infant formula firms exporting to China
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing changes to its export listing procedures for dairy and infant formula firms seeking to export their products to China.
FDA amends its procedures for dairy, infant formula firms exporting to China
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing changes to its export listing procedures for dairy and infant formula firms seeking to export their products to China.
FDA gives $1.5 million to support FSMA education, training, and technical assistance
The FDA is announcing $1.5 million of continued funding, in the form of cooperative agreements, to the University of Arkansas Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative and the National Farmers Union to enhance food safety under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
FDA gives $1.5 million to support FSMA education, training, and technical assistance
The FDA is announcing $1.5 million of continued funding, in the form of cooperative agreements, to the University of Arkansas Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative and the National Farmers Union to enhance food safety under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Commercially available cell line rapidly detects African Swine Fever Virus
Scientists from the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have identified a new way to detect the presence of live African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) that minimizes the need for samples from live animals and provides easier access to veterinary labs that need to diagnose the virus.
