Paint chips aren't the only lead sources parents should worry about. A new report found traces of the toxin in 20% of baby food samples, a higher percentage than even the regular adult versions.
There is no safe level of lead exposure, according to both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control. However, the metal frequently sneaks into food, sometimes through the soil where crops are grown.
Since chronic exposure especially harms children, the Environmental Defense Fund just analyzed over a decade's worth of data collected by the FDA, focusing on baby foods specifically. The nonprofit advocacy group discovered that 20% of 2,164 samples contained traces of lead, compared to 14% of other foods. The worst offenders included fruit juices, cookies and root vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots. For example, a whopping 89% of tested grape juices contained detectable levels.
The FDA has set "guidance levels" for the amount of lead present in some foods.Fruit juice can reach as high as 50 parts per billion (ppb). The grape juice tested in this report only measured 41 ppb, but the EDF is calling for new, much stricter guidelines for manufacturers. They want companies to keep their products below 1 ppb.
While EDF's report is mostly geared towards government agencies and the food industry, the group says parents should consult with their pediatricians about how to reduce lead exposure. They also recommend asking favorite brands about their lead testing processes.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association, which represents brands like Gerber, released a statement saying their companies follow strict practices to minimize the "presence of naturally occurring minerals."
Over time, lead poisoning can damage kids' brain and nervous system, slow growth and development, and cause learning, behavior, hearing and speech problems, according to the FDA. If you're worried about your children, stick to fresh fruits and veggies, advises Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, Nutrition Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
"The best way to reduce the risk of lead exposure in baby food is to create a more colorful, produce-rich diet that the whole family can enjoy," she says. "Steer clear of the fruit juices and processed items that have shown the highest risk of lead contamination, and use pre-packaged baby food as backup when you're in a bind."
Getting kids started on healthy produce early on establishes good eating habits and avoids major culprits like cookies and grape juice. While it's impossible to avoid lead entirely, some smart choices can lower the risk.
[h/t TIME
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