FDA is continuing its efforts to reduce negative health effects as a result of dietary exposure to lead. The agency recently issued draft action levels for lead in single-strength, ready-to-drink apple juice, and other juices and juice blends.

“Exposure of our most vulnerable populations, especially children, to elevated levels of toxic elements from foods is unacceptable,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. in an agency release. “This action to limit lead in juice represents an important step forward in advancing FDA’s Closer to Zero action plan, which we are confident will have a lasting public health impact on current and future generations.”

The draft guidance outlines recommended limits of lead in juice that can be achieved by industry and progressively lowered as appropriate. The draft action levels are part of the agency’s Closer to Zero action plan announced last year. [https://foodsafetytech.com/news_article/fdas-closer-to-zero-action-plan-to-reduce-exposure-to-toxic-elements-in-baby-food/]

“As we outlined in the Closer to Zero action plan, the agency is increasing targeted compliance activities as part of our efforts to monitor levels of these elements in foods through the FDA’s Total Diet Study, Toxic Elements in Food and Foodware program and sampling assignments,” said CFSAN Director Susan Mayne, Ph.D., in an agency release. “In addition, our work in this important area of food safety will progress with advancements in science. For example, action levels may be progressively lowered over time, as appropriate, to make continual improvements in reducing the levels of lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury in foods eaten by babies and young children.”