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FDA Sets Voluntary Lead Limits at 10-20 Parts Per Billion for Baby Foods; California Law Requires QR Code Disclosure

Jan 6, 2025, 08:01 PM

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set voluntary maximum levels for lead in processed baby foods, marking a significant step towards reducing young children's exposure to the toxic metal. The guidance, announced on January 6, 2025, sets a limit of 10 parts per billion for fruits, most vegetables, grain and meat mixtures, yogurts, custards, puddings, and single-ingredient meats, and 20 parts per billion for single-ingredient root vegetables and dry infant cereals. This initiative is part of the FDA's Closer to Zero action plan to minimize dietary exposure to contaminants in foods while ensuring access to nutritious options. Additionally, a new California law mandates that baby food manufacturers disclose levels of heavy metals, including lead, on their product labels through a QR code, effective for products manufactured on or after January 1, 2025. This law applies to sales within California but major manufacturers like Gerber and Beech-Nut have indicated plans to implement it nationwide.