FDA puts limit on lead levels in baby food trends now
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will now recommend limits to the amount of lead allowed in baby food.
Per new guidance released Tuesday, lead prevalence should be limited to 10 parts per billion (ppb) in fruits, some vegetables and yogurt, and 20ppb in root vegetables - which include carrots, beets and potatoes - and dry cereal.
The move comes after decades of research showing the potentially devastating impact of lead exposure on a child's brain development. Dr Robert Califf, the commissioner of the FDA, said it could reduce childhood lead exposure by up to 27 percent.
Last year, a report found that nearly every baby food in America contains toxic chemicals, including arsenic and lead.
The crackdown comes as major US chocolate manufacturers face nearly a dozen lawsuits after it was revealed their dark chocolate bars contained lead.
The FDA has recommended limits to the amounts of lead in US baby food after recent studies found the