When we think about protecting children from lead exposure, we usually think about things like lead-based paint or lead water pipes. But lead is also in our food, including baby food. Now the Food and Drug Administration is proposing guidelines for the maximum amount of lead allowed in fruits, vegetables, grains and meats packaged as baby food.
It’s not possible to remove all traces of lead from food products because the metal is in the environment and can be absorbed by plants. But according to the FDA, its proposed guidelines could result in a 24% to 27% reduction in exposure to lead, which has been found to cause developmental issues.
