The FDA aims to minimize dietary exposure to harmful contaminants in food, especially for infants and young children, who are more vulnerable due to their smaller body sizes and metabolisms. Through the “Closer to Zero” initiative, the FDA is working to reduce contaminants like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury in foods commonly consumed by young children. Key efforts include:

  • Developing better testing methods for detecting contaminants.
  • Surveying foods to understand contaminant levels.
  • Collaborating with federal partners to reduce these contaminants.
  • Studying consumption patterns and dietary exposures.
  • Setting reference levels for safety.
  • Exploring how nutrients can mitigate contaminant-related health risks.

This builds on previous progress in lowering exposure to environmental contaminants in food.1

Read more here.

References

  1. Program, H. F. (2024, September 16). Closer to Zero: Reducing Childhood Exposure to Contaminants from Foods. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/closer-zero-reducing-childhood-exposure-contaminants-foods

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  • Any personal opinions expressed are those of only the author(s) and are not intended to represent the position of any organization(s)
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