FDA Proposes Cadmium Limits for Baby Food: From 10 to 45 Parts per Billion by Category

Washington — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed on Thursday a draft guidance with action levels for cadmium in processed foods for children under 2 years old, with limits ranging from 10 to 45 parts per billion (ppb) depending on the category. The measure is the latest step in the "Closer to Zero" initiative, which previously produced limits for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal and for lead in processed baby foods.

The proposed levels are: 10 ppb for fruits, vegetables (other than single-ingredient carrots) and mixtures, including grain- and meat-based products; 25 ppb for single-ingredient carrots and single-ingredient meats; 20 ppb for yogurts, puddings and custards; and 45 ppb for dry infant cereals. The guidance covers packaged foods sold in jars, pouches, tubs or boxes, including ready-to-eat purees and dry infant cereals. It does not apply to infant formula, beverages, homemade foods or snacks.

The FDA analyzed 1,430 samples collected between fiscal years 2009 and 2024. The agency estimates that 93% of fruit, vegetable and mixture samples, 84% of single-ingredient carrot samples, 98% of dry infant cereal samples and all yogurt and meat samples already fall at or below the proposed levels. Projected reductions in exposure are 28% for fruits, vegetables and mixtures, 32% for carrots and 5% for dry infant cereals.

Cadmium enters crops such as root vegetables and cereal grains through contaminated soil, water and air. Its half-life in the human body is 10 to 33 years, so even low-level chronic exposure can harm the kidneys and bones; early-life exposure is also associated with impaired neurodevelopment and altered growth, according to the FDA. The agency clarified that action levels are not intended to direct consumer food choices and recommends a varied, nutrient-dense diet.

The levels are nonbinding, although the FDA may regard foods that exceed them as adulterated when weighing enforcement.

Photo: Contemporary Pediatrics

Source: Contemporary Pediatrics