On January 6, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released guidance for industry on action levels for lead in processed foods intended for the consumption of babies and young children. The guidance describes the FDA’s current thinking and recommendations on the topic and supports the FDA’s Closer to Zero initiative to reduce exposure to contaminants (which includes lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury) in foods to as low as possible. The FDA thinks the industry can meet the action levels outlined in this guidance if the industry adopts control measures to reduce lead levels in processed food.

We encourage parents and caregivers to provide a diverse, nutrient-rich diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, and protein foods to promote healthy growth and development in children.

To read the guidance, please visit the guidance document. You can comment on any guidance at any time. Submit electronic comments to http://www.regulations.gov. Submit written comments to the Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. All comments should be identified with the docket number FDA-2022-D-0278 and with the title of the guidance document. For questions regarding this document, contact the Human Foods Program at HFP-Policy@fda.hhs.gov.

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