The following blog makes reference to a recent study published on June 15, 2017 by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) entitled: “Lead in Food: A Hidden Health Threat”. The original study can be found at: https://www.edf.org/health/lead-food-hidden-health-threat

Roughly 20% of baby food samples were found to contain lead, more than other foods, according to a new report (see citation above). Fruit juices were a major culprit, with lead in 89% of grape juice, 67% of mixed fruit juice, 55% of apple juice and 45% of pear juice samples. Researchers found lead in baby versions of apple and grape juices more often than regular versions.  Among other baby food types, root vegetables had lead in 65% of samples and baby food carrots had lead more often than regular carrots. Lead also was found in 47% of crackers and cookies, 29% of fruits including juices and 4% of cereals.  American Academy of Pediatrics nutrition experts recommend children eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to minimize risks from a single food. They also should adhere to recommended serving sizes. The Academy recently released new limits on fruit juice consumption that say children under 1 year should not drink juice and older children’s intake should be minimal.

The key findings of the study:

EDF‘s analysis of 11 years of FDA data found:

• Lead was detected in 20% of baby food samples compared to 14% for other foods.
• Eight types of baby foods had detectable lead in more than 40% of samples.
• Baby food versions of apple and grape juices and carrots had more samples with detectable lead than the regular versions.

EDF also found that more than 1 million children consume more lead than FDA’s limit. The study claims that eliminating lead in food would save society more than $27 billion annually in total lifetime earnings from saved IQ points.