FDA reduces bleed content in baby food - critics demand more
FDA reduces bleed content in baby food - critics demand more
For the first time, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set guidelines for bleiing content in industrial products for baby food that are sold in supermarkets and online. However, this measure, which was announced on Monday, only gives recommendations to the manufacturers and is not enforceable.new guidelines for baby food
According to the new guidelines, baby food manufacturers should not contain any more than 10 parts per billion (ppb) lead in their products. This applies to baby food such as yogurt, pudding, pureed meat types, processed types of fruit and vegetables as well as mixtures of fruits, vegetables, cereals and meat. The FDA explained: "This affects food in glasses, bags, bowls or boxes and can also include ready-to-use foods such as purees and half-prepared products such as dry baby food."
checks for certain products
However, it was found that root vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes, which typically contain the highest blei content from the ground, and dry baby food should not contain any more than 20 PPB lead. "The guidelines do not refer to baby food, drinks or snacks such as buffreis and bite ring cookies," added the authority.risks for toddlers
Although no bleing content is considered safe for infants and toddlers, the FDA parents advised not to throw away already bought baby foods and continue to offer a diverse diet for their children. "A varied diet can reduce the likelihood that someone will be exposed to the same pollutant from the same food several times and helps to provide the required amount of nutrients that are necessary for the growth and healthy development of children," said the authority.
criticism of the new guidelines
organizations that work for the well -being of children immediately expressed concerns. Jane Houlihan, director of science and health at Healthy Babies Bright Futures, said: "Almost all baby food on the market already corresponds to these limits, which makes the new standards largely ineffective." In 2019, the organization published a report that discovered toxic metals in 95 % of the baby food taken from supermarkets.
slow reactions of the FDA
Scott Faber, Senior Vice President for government matters at the Environmental Working Group, criticized the FDA: "The agency has ignored security data for years, while the developing brains of children were exposed to this neurotoxin." According to the US environmental protection authority, there is no secure league level for people of all ages, as lead is attached to the body and can be harmful to health even at low exposure levels.
causes of lead pollution
lead and other heavy metals are naturally contained in the earth's crust, but industrial plants, mines and melting processes also contribute to environmental pollution. Foods such as baby food can be contaminated by old lead paint or exhaust gases from lead-containing petrol, which still lead to soil and water pollution in many regions.
initiative 'Closer to Zero'
The FDA had proposed new lead limit values in 2023 as part of the 'Closer to Zero' initiative, which aims to lower the content of toxic metals such as lead in baby food. However, experts stated that these measures were not sufficient to effectively protect children. The authority urgently needs to take further steps to ensure children's health.
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