We have reported on multiple occasions about the overwhelming concerns about heavy metals in baby food. At a time where infants are at a critical stage of development, where every bite that they take contributes to their growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being, there is a fear in parents that the food they are giving their children is doing more harm than good. Well, recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced new limits on lead in baby food.

Per Motherly.com, this new update, part of the FDA’s Closer to Zero initiative, aims to reduce lead exposure in young children.

So, just what are the new lead limits that parents should be aware of? According to the parenting outlet, the FDA’s new action levels set the following limits on lead content in processed foods for babies and young children:

• 10 parts per billion (ppb) for fruits, vegetables (except single-ingredient root vegetables), mixtures (including grain- and meat-based mixtures), yogurts, custards/puddings, and single-ingredient meats.
• 20 ppb for single-ingredient root vegetables (like carrots and sweet potatoes).
• 20 ppb for dry infant cereals.

Although the FDA has recommended that manufactures adhere to these new guidelines. Adherence is only voluntary and not enforceable.

Some experts feel like the new guidelines will only reduce lead exposure about 4%.

“Nearly all baby foods on the market already comply with these limits, making the new standards largely ineffective,” Jane Houlihan, national director of science and health for Healthy Babies Bright Futures, a coalition focused on reducing babies’ exposure to neurotoxic chemicals, told Motherly.

Knowing this, is there anything that parents can actually do to help reduce their children’s exposure even further? Yes, the experts say that parents can be more proactive by:

• Offer variety
• Prioritize iron and calcium-rich foods
• Be mindful of high-risk foods
• Stay informed