Lead was detected in 20% of baby food samples compared to 14% in other foods, according to a new report from the nonprofit advocacy group Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). EDF evaluated data collected and assayed by the FDA between 2003 and 2013.
The report found that lead was most common in fruit juices, root vegetables, and cookies. Grape juice topped the list with 89% of samples testing positive for lead. Sweet potatoes were a close second: 86% contained the heavy metal.
In addition, lead was found in high amounts in samples of these baby foods:
- Mixed fruit juice: 67%
- Arrowroot cookies: 64%
- Apple juice: 55%
- Carrots: 43%
According to the EDF, over 1 million children consume more lead than the FDA’s daily limit of 6 micrograms. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there’s no safe lead blood level. Even small amounts of lead exposure in developing babies impact both behavior and intelligence.
