Food Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, February 24, 2023

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced draft guidance for industry on action levels for lead in processed foods intended for babies and children under two years of age. The guidance is designed to help reduce potential health effects from dietary exposure to lead.

Foods covered by the draft guidance, Action Levels for Lead in Food Intended for Babies and Young Children, are those processed foods, such as food packaged in jars, pouches, tubs and boxes. The draft guidance contains the following action levels:

• 10 parts per billion (ppb) for fruits, vegetables (excluding single-ingredient root vegetables), mixtures (including grain and meat-based mixtures), yogurts, custards/puddings and single-ingredient meats
• 20 ppb for root vegetables (single ingredient)
• 20 ppb for dry cereals 

According to the FDA:

Just as fruits, vegetables and grain crops readily absorb vital nutrients from the environment, these foods also take up contaminants, like lead, that can be harmful to health. The presence of a contaminant, however, does not mean the food is unsafe to eat. The FDA evaluates the level of the contaminant in the food and exposure based on consumption to determine if the food is a potential health risk. Although it is not possible to remove these elements entirely from the food supply, we expect that the recommended action levels will cause manufacturers to implement agricultural and processing measures to lower lead levels in their food products below the proposed action levels, thus reducing the potential harmful effects associated with dietary lead exposures. 

“Consuming foods with elevated levels of lead or other toxic heavy metals can cause serious developmental problems for infants and young children,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To help ensure the nation’s food supply is safe consumers, the scientists at EMSL are available to assist food growers, processors, manufacturers and importers with independent third-party testing. Our food testing experts analyze raw ingredients, production surfaces and final food samples for heavy metals, pesticides and microbial contaminants. We also offer a wide range of other food-related testing services, such as shelf-life studies and food labeling.”

To learn more about food and beverage testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.