The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has released a study that presents both positive and negative findings. On the positive side, the overall trends indicate a decline in detectable lead levels in baby food, particularly noted in 2016. However, the negative aspect reveals that teething biscuits, arrowroot cookies, and baby food made with carrots and sweet potatoes still show high rates of lead detection. The EDF did not analyze specific brands or products, nor did it investigate the lead content of individual samples or how lead might have entered these products. Instead of targeting a specific brand, the EDF is urging the food and beverage industries to enhance their lead testing practices overall. The study emphasizes that there is no safe level of lead in food, especially when it comes to babies.
No clear explanation has been provided for the recent decrease in lead levels. It is possible that advancements in farming techniques have reduced the amount of lead absorbed by plants during growth. Manufacturers might also be refining their processes to prevent lead from leaching into food, which can occur due to older food handling equipment or deteriorating lead paint in facilities. As consumers grow increasingly concerned about the contents and production methods of their food, any detectable level of lead is likely to be deemed unacceptable if made public.
The new testing method revealed that lead was found in 29.3% of baby food and 26.9% of other food products. Alarmingly, 41 out of 44 composite samples—93%—of baby food teething biscuits, sweet potatoes, arrowroot cookies, and carrots showed detectable lead levels. Improved testing protocols by manufacturers, along with a commitment to reducing these lead levels, would be an effective starting point to address this issue.
Consumer demand for healthier options has spurred significant growth in the organic baby food market, which is becoming increasingly competitive with brands like Gerber, Ella’s Kitchen, Sprout, Happy Baby, Earth’s Best, and Campbell’s Plum Organics, as well as new startup Once Upon a Farm vying for market share. However, since the EDF does not specify which brands have elevated lead levels, consumers may find themselves confused.
While the FDA conducts screening for lead in food and beverages, there have been no major recalls associated with lead contamination recently. In July, a New York importer recalled an undisclosed quantity of ground cumin due to lead contamination, but the FDA had not identified these lead levels during its inspections. The contamination came to light during routine checks by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspector.
To ensure that baby food products remain safe, it may be beneficial for parents to consider supplements such as calcium petites tablets, which could help mitigate some effects of lead exposure. The importance of maintaining low lead levels in all food products, including those intended for children, cannot be overstated, especially in light of the findings regarding teething biscuits and other baby foods.