Lead Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, February 18, 2025

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it had issued guidance for industry on action levels for lead in processed foods intended for babies and young children. The action levels reflect the levels of lead at which the FDA may regard the food as adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

The action levels for processed foods include:

• 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 single-ingredient root vegetables
• 20 ppb for dry infant cereals

According to the FDA:

Contaminants such as lead occur naturally and as environmental pollutants in air, water, and soil. Contaminants may enter the food supply when plants and animals take them up similarly to how they take up nutrients, making the food both a source of essential nutrients for child growth and development but also a source of exposure to contaminants. Because the very young are more vulnerable to adverse health effects associated with exposure to contaminants, we prioritized reducing exposure from foods commonly consumed by young children.   

“The FDA’s final guidance covers packaged processed foods that are represented or purported to be for babies and young children less than two years of age,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To help the food industry, the scientists at EMSL are available to assist 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, including 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.