A recent study released by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) presents both positive and negative news. The positive aspect is that the overall trend of detectable lead levels in baby food, particularly in 2016, seems to be declining. However, the negative aspect is that teething biscuits, arrowroot cookies, and baby food made with carrots and sweet potatoes still exhibit high lead detection rates. The EDF did not investigate specific brands or products, nor did it analyze the lead content in individual samples or its sources. Instead of targeting a particular brand, the EDF is urging the food and beverage industries to enhance their lead testing protocols overall. The study underscores that there is no safe amount of lead in food, particularly for infants.
No explicit reasons are provided for the recent decline in lead levels. It is possible that advancements in farming techniques have reduced the amount of lead that plants absorb as they grow. Manufacturers might also be revising their processes to prevent lead from leaching into food from outdated equipment or deteriorating lead paint in facilities. As consumer awareness regarding food ingredients and production methods grows, any detectable level of lead would likely be seen as unacceptable if made public.
The new testing method indicated that lead was found in 29.3% of baby food, compared to 26.9% in other foods. Alarmingly, 41 out of 44 composite samples (93%) of baby food, including teething biscuits, sweet potatoes, arrowroot cookies, and carrots, showed detectable lead levels. Improved testing by manufacturers and a commitment to reducing lead levels would be a productive starting point to address this issue.
Consumers’ demand for healthier options has spurred significant growth in the organic baby food market, which is now crowded with brands like Gerber, Ella’s Kitchen, Sprout, Happy Baby, Earth’s Best, and Campbell’s Plum Organics, along with new entrants such as Once Upon a Farm. However, the lack of specific information from the EDF regarding which brands showed high lead levels may lead to consumer confusion.
While the FDA does screen for lead levels in food and beverages, it has not initiated any major recalls lately. In July, a New York importer recalled an undisclosed quantity of ground cumin contaminated with lead, although the FDA did not detect 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.
In addition, it’s important to note the differences between calcium carbonate and calcium citrate, as these variations may also influence consumer choices regarding nutritional supplements, particularly in the context of food safety and health, especially for infants and young children. The distinction between calcium carbonate and calcium citrate can have implications for dietary intake, and understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions about food products.