FDA sets lead limits for baby cereals but ignores grain snacks and other heavy metals

In a significant step to address childhood exposure to harmful metals, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued final guidance establishing maximum lead levels in select baby foods.

The guidance sets voluntary lead limits of 20 parts per billion (ppb) for dry infant cereals, a figure higher than the 10 ppb allowed for other baby foods such as fruits and vegetables. According to the FDA, these thresholds are designed to reduce lead exposure by 20% to 30%; however, consumer advocacy groups argue these limits are based more on what is feasible for manufacturers rather than on what is safest for children.

“FDA’s actions today are a step forward and will help protect children,” said Thomas Galligan, a scientist with the Center for Science in the Public Interest. “However, the agency took too long to act and ignored important public input that could have strengthened these standards.” Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) argues that nearly all current baby foods on the market already comply with these limits, rendering the standards ineffective.

Critics have pointed to the lack of restrictions on grain-based snacks such as puffs and teething biscuits, which research indicates often contain higher levels of lead. They also express disappointment the guidance fails to address other harmful metals like cadmium and arsenic, which are significant concerns in baby cereals.

Moreover, they argue, the voluntary nature of the limits further dilutes their impact, as compliance depends on the willingness of manufacturers. While leading brands such as Beech-Nut and Gerber have publicly stated their products already meet these standards, smaller or less-regulated companies may not adhere to the same rigor. The guidelines also exclude other sources of lead exposure, such as ingredients for homemade baby food, infant formula, and non-baby-food aisle items, leaving potential gaps.

The persistence of contaminants in the environment

The latest measure is part of the FDA’s broader Closer to Zero initiative. Launched in 2021, the initiative aims to progressively reduce heavy metals – including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury – in foods for infants and toddlers. Past actions include lowering arsenic limits in infant rice cereals and proposing lead limits in juices.

Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic pose significant health risks, particularly to infants and toddlers, whose developing bodies are more sensitive to toxic exposure. These metals are linked to cognitive impairment, nervous system damage, and slowed growth, with no safe level of exposure identified.

Eliminating these toxins entirely from foods, however, is nearly impossible due to their natural occurrence in soil, water, and air. Human activities such as mining, manufacturing, and the historical use of lead-based products have exacerbated contamination levels.

Rice-based cereals, in particular, have drawn scrutiny for their elevated levels of arsenic. Studies have shown that arsenic levels in rice can be up to 10 times higher than in other grains due to its unique ability to absorb metals from waterlogged soils. Non-rice cereals, including those made from oats or wheat, are also susceptible to contamination, though to a lesser extent.

There are developments on the horizon. Crop breeding programmes, for instance, are exploring rice varieties with lower arsenic uptake, while advancements in detection technologies are enabling more accurate and efficient monitoring. However, these innovations – though promising – require investment and collaboration between manufacturers, researchers, and regulators.

More action is needed

While the FDA emphasises its commitment to science-driven and transparent processes, stakeholders are calling for accelerated action, more ambitious goals for reducing heavy metals to undetectable levels in children’s foods and enforceable limits.

The US can also learn from stricter international standards. Many countries, particularly in the EU, enforce stricter limited on heavy metals in foods. Aligning US standards with these international benchmarks not only enhances safety but also ensures competitiveness in global markets.

“The FDA must act with greater resolve to protect our most vulnerable population,” said Scott Faber, senior VP of Government Affairs for the Environmental Working Group, echoing widespread sentiments the agency has a duty to prioritise children’s health over industry convenience.

What is clear is that the path to safer baby foods demands a unified effort. Regulators must continue refining and enforcing standards, expanding their focus to include other harmful metals, and providing clear guidance for manufacturers. Meanwhile, industry leaders must take accountability by adopting best practices and actively seeking solutions to reduce contamination at every stage of the production process.