Skip to main content
          Skip to FDA Search
          Skip to in this section menu
          Skip to footer links


U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government

					Here’s how you know
          			Dot gov**The .gov means it’s official.**Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.
							      SSL**The site is secure.** The **https://** ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. 
			U.S. Food and Drug Administration
				
        Search
            Menu
							
						Search FDA
									
									Submit search 
		Featured
							Contact FDA
	                FDA Guidance Documents
	                Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts
	                Press Announcements
	                Warning Letters
	                Advisory Committees
	                En Español

					Products
            Food
							Drugs
							Medical Devices
							Radiation-Emitting Products
							Vaccines, Blood, and Biologics
							Animal and Veterinary
							Cosmetics
							Tobacco ProductsTopics
            About FDA
							Combination Products
							Regulatory Information
							Safety
							Emergency Preparedness
							International Programs
							News and Events
							Training and Continuing Education
							Inspections and Compliance
							Science and ResearchInformation For
            Consumers
	            Patients
	            Industry
	            Health Professionals
	            Federal, State and Local Officials 
 In this section:

                Environmental Contaminants in Food

Environmental Contaminants in Food

                        Arsenic in Food
          Lead in Food and Foodwares
          Mercury in Food
          Cadmium in Food and Foodwares
          Closer to Zero: Reducing Childhood Exposure to Contaminants from Foods
          Perchlorate
          Radionuclides in Domestic and Imported Foods
          Benzene
          Dioxins & PCBs
          Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
          Testing Results for Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium and Mercury Home
          Food
          Chemical Contaminants & Pesticides
          Environmental Contaminants in Food
          Lead in Food and FoodwaresEnvironmental Contaminants in Food Lead in Food and Foodwares
  
  	
    Share
    Post
    Linkedin

    Email
    PrintPlease visit Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches for up-to-date information on the current recall and investigation of multiple brands of applesauce products.


Average Daily Dietary Exposure to Lead for 1-3 Year Olds
Enlarge in PDF

The FDA's work to reduce the use of lead in cans combined with the phaseout of lead in gasoline resulted in a dramatic decline in lead exposure from foods by the mid-1980s.

Lead may be present in food from the environment where foods are grown, raised, or processed. Levels of lead in the environment can vary depending on natural geographical makeup and proximity to current or past use or manufacturing of products made with lead. For example, lead has entered the environment from the past widespread use of lead in paint, gasoline, and plumbing materials, as well as many other products. While many commercial and industrial uses of lead have been phased out, there are still some products used or made in the U.S. that contain lead, and it is still used in products made in other countries.

Because there is no known safe level of exposure to lead, the FDA monitors and regulates levels of lead in foods. While it is not possible to completely prevent lead from entering the food supply, for foods that contain lead, it may be possible to reduce the levels through changes to agricultural or manufacturing practices. By law, food manufacturers have a responsibility to significantly minimize or prevent chemical hazards when needed.

To determine if the level of lead in a food is a potential health concern, the FDA considers the toxicity of lead and potential exposure based on the level of lead measured in the food and estimated consumption. We also may consider the risks specific to vulnerable subpopulations (e.g., very young children). If the agency finds that the level of lead causes the food to be unsafe, we will take regulatory action. This may include working with the manufacturer to resolve the issue, and as necessary, taking steps to prevent the product from entering, or remaining in, the U.S. market.

Among the FDA’s top priorities is maintaining access to foods that are sources of nutrients while limiting consumer exposure to contaminants. Having adequate nutrition is vital to growth and development for babies and children and helps promote health and prevent disease throughout our lifespan. The FDA collaborates with state and federal partners, industry, and other stakeholders to identify and facilitate the implementation of sustainable and effective strategies for growing, sourcing, processing, and manufacturing foods that contain lower levels of environmental contaminants, such as lead, while maintaining their nutritional quality and accessibility.

For more information about the FDA’s specific activities to reduce exposure to arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium from foods consumed by babies and young children, please visit the Closer to Zero page.

General Information
	Lead in the environment can be taken up by plants and ingested by animals and enter the food supply. Lead is more common in certain foods and in foods grown in geographical areas with higher levels of environmental lead contamination. In addition, lead used in pottery may leach into foods.

Testing results that detect lead do not necessarily mean the food should be avoided. Because many of the most nutritious foods can also contain contaminants, consumers should eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods across and within the main food groups of vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, and protein. This is good for nutrition and can also limit exposure to a contaminant from a specific food. In addition, research studies have found that good nutrition can also help protect from the effects of exposure to contaminants.

The FDA’s goal is to limit consumer exposure to lead, with a focus on protecting the very young, through developing regulations, action levels, and providing educational information.

**Resources from the FDA:**

To Help Protect Children from Environmental Contaminants, Healthy Food Choices for Your Baby Aged 6-12 Months
	What You Can Do to Limit Exposure to Arsenic and Lead from Juices
	The Key to a Well-Balanced Diet is Eating a Variety of Healthy Foods**Resources from Other Federal Government Agencies:**

United States Environmental Protection Agency - Lead
	United States Environmental Protection Agency-Heavy Metals in Cultural Products
	United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
	Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
	National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences



Health Effects Information
	Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. The potential for adverse health effects from consuming food contaminated with lead vary depending on the level of lead in the food; age of the consumer; length, amount, and frequency of exposure to lead in the food; and other exposures to different sources of lead and to beneficial nutrients.

The most serious effects of lead exposure can occur during times of active brain development. High levels of exposure to lead in utero, infancy, and early childhood can lead to neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ. The very young are particularly vulnerable to the potential harmful effects from lead exposure because of their smaller body sizes and rapid metabolism and growth. For adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects.

More information about health effects can be found by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).



Scientific Information
	The FDA tests food for environmental contaminants, such as lead, to monitor the safety of the U.S. food supply, enforce FDA regulations, inform agency guidance to industry, and provide the public with accurate, science-based information. Testing may be targeted to a specific category of food, such as foods commonly eaten by children under 2 years of age, or to a specific food or food group. Testing may also be conducted in response to reports of elevated contaminant levels in certain foods. Testing may occur at FDA laboratories, laboratories we contract with, or at state laboratories as part of our cooperative agreement with states.

The FDA tests for environmental contaminants, including lead, through:

the Total Diet Study;
	the FDA’s Toxic Elements in Food and Foodware, and Radionuclides in Food compliance program; and
	Other surveys, which may be conducted annually or in response to reports of elevated contaminant levels in certain products or to focus on a specific food or food group.In addition, the FDA has been conducting research to optimize testing methods to measure increasingly smaller amounts of these environmental contaminants. Currently, FDA’s Elemental Analysis Manual Method 4.7 is used by the FDA to analyze for lead, cadmium, as well as other elements in all foods to concentrations as low as 3 parts per billion (ppb).

Testing Results

Analytical Results for Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury in Foods Intended for Babies and Young Children- TEP (FY2008-FY2021) in PDF, in XLSX
	Sampled under the FDA’s Toxic Elements in Food and Foodware, and Radionuclides in Food – Import and Domestic Compliance Program, Updated March 2023
	Analytical Results for Lead in Food Intended for Babies and Young Children (FY2020-2021) in PDF, in XLSX
	Sampled as part of an FDA survey of toxic elements in foods intended for babies and young children, Posted January 2023
	Dataset for Lead and Cadmium in Infant and Toddler Foods in XLSX - (FY2013-FY2014)
	Analytical Results for Lead in Juice -TEP FY2005-FY2018 - PDF, in XLSX
	Sampled under the FDA’s Toxic Elements in Food and Foodware, and Radionuclides in Food – Import and Domestic Compliance Program, Posted April 2022Scientific Articles and Reports

A survey of toxic elements in ready to eat baby foods in the US market 2021 (2022)
	Updated interim reference levels for dietary lead to support FDA's Closer to Zero action plan (2022)
	FDA Total Diet Study (TDS) FY2018-FY2020 Elements Report and Data (2022)
	Targeting Coordinated Federal Efforts to Address Persistent Hazardous Exposures to Lead (2022)
	Perspective on Cadmium and Lead in Cocoa and Chocolate (2020)
	U.S. Food and Drug Administration's interim reference levels for dietary lead exposure in children and women of childbearing age (2020)
	Lead exposures in older children (males and females 7-17 years), women of childbearing age (females 16-49 years) and adults (males and females 18+ years): FDA total diet study 2014-16 (2019)
	Children’s exposures to lead and cadmium: FDA total diet study 2014-16 (2019)
	Cadmium and lead in cocoa powder and chocolate products in the US Market (2018)**Interim Reference Level**

An interim reference level (IRL) is a benchmark the FDA may use to determine if the amount of exposure to the contaminant in food is a potential health concern. IRLs also may be used to inform action levels, which are the level of contaminant in a food above which the FDA may consider a food harmful to health and in violation of the FDA’s safety laws.

Although no safe level for lead exposure has been identified, the FDA has calculated an IRL for lead based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) blood reference level of 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of whole blood (μg /dL). The blood reference level is the level at which the CDC recommends clinical monitoring of lead exposure in children.

The IRL for lead includes a 10x safety factor. This means that it is nearly ten times lower than the amount of lead intake from food that would be required to reach the CDC’s blood reference level. The calculated IRLs are 2.2 micrograms (μg) per day for children and 8.8 μg per day for females of childbearing age. The IRL for females of childbearing age is to protect against possible fetal exposure in women who are unaware that they are pregnant and to protect against infant exposure during nursing.

International Scientific Activities

FDA experts participate in the international standard-setting body, Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex). The purpose of Codex is to protect the health of consumers and promote fair trade practices by adopting scientifically based standards, guidelines, and codes of practice across all areas of food safety and quality. Its work includes reviewing the scientific data concerning contaminant levels in foods. These international discussions can lead to recommendations for standards individual countries may adopt.

Recommendations from Codex about reducing lead in foods can be found in the Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Lead Contamination in Foods.



Regulatory Information
	Federal Regulations

There are no FDA regulations that authorize lead for use as a color additive or food additive (including as a component of foodware, cookware, or food contact surfaces). The FDA seeks to limit the amount of lead in foods when it is not otherwise possible to prevent lead entirely.

It is the legal responsibility of companies that grow or produce foods, or manufacture products intended for use with foods sold in the U.S., to comply with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and FDA’s regulations.

If the FDA determines that the level of lead causes the food to be unsafe, the agency will take regulatory action. This may include working with the manufacturer to resolve the issue, and as necessary, taking steps to prevent the product from entering, or remaining, in the U.S. market.

***Bottled Water***: The FDA limits the level of lead (as well as other contaminants) in bottled water by establishing allowable levels in the quality standard for bottled water. For lead, this level is set to 5 parts per billion (ppb). This level is below the 15 ppb allowed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for lead in public drinking water, as the tap water standard takes into account lead that can leach from pipes.

21 CFR Part 129 - Processing and Bottling of Bottled Drinking Water
	21 CFR Part 165.110 - Bottled Water***Lead Solder***: Lead solders are alloys of metals that include lead and are used in the construction of metal food cans. The FDA banned the use of lead in can solder for any food sold in the U.S.

21 CFR Part 189.240 - Lead solder***Labeling Ornamental Ceramicware***: The FDA established labeling requirements for ornamental and decorative ceramicware containing lead. These ceramicwares must contain a specific label identifying the danger of using it with food.

21 CFR Part 109.16—Unavoidable Contaminants in Food for Human Consumption and Food Packaging Material—Ornamental and decorative ceramicwareImport Alerts

The FDA issues import alerts to prevent potentially violative products from being distributed in the United States. The agency has issued import alerts for certain foods and products from certain manufacturers that may pose a food safety hazard due to the presence of elevated levels of lead.

Import Alert 99-42 for heavy metal (including lead) contamination of foods
	Import Alert 99-45 unsafe food additive
	Import Alert 52-08 lead and cadmium in ceramicwareGuidance for Industry

The FDA issues guidance for industry to describe the agency’s current thinking on a regulatory issue. For example, guidance on action levels communicates to industry the levels of contaminants in foods at which the FDA may take enforcement action. Unlike regulations, guidance is not legally binding for the FDA or industry.

**Guidance for Industry and Support Documents by Date Issued**

Title
			Issued DateDraft Guidance for Industry: Action Levels for Lead in Food Intended for Babies and Young Children
			January 2023Draft Guidance for Industry: Action Levels for Lead in Juice

			Draft Supporting Document for Establishing FDA’s Action Levels for Lead in Juice (April 2022)
			April 2022Letter Concerning the Withdrawal of "Guidance for Industry and FDA: 1991 Letter to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Regarding Lead in Wine"
			January 2017Guidance for Industry: The Safety of Imported Traditional Pottery Intended for Use with Food and the Use of the Term "Lead Free" in the Labeling of Pottery; and Proper Identification of Ornamental and Decorative Ceramicware
			November 2010Guidance for Industry: Lead in Candy Likely To Be Consumed Frequently by Small Children: Recommended Maximum Level and Enforcement Policy
			November 2006Supporting Document for Recommended Maximum Level for Lead in Candy Likely To Be Consumed Frequently by Small Children
			November 2006Guidance for Industry: Juice HACCP Hazards and Controls Guidance First Edition
			March 2004Guidance for Industry: Action Levels for Poisonous or Deleterious Substances in Human Food and Animal Feed
			August 2000Guidance for Industry: Letter to Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors of Imported Candy and Candy Wrappers
			June 1995Chemical Contaminants, Metals, Natural Toxins & Pesticides Guidance Documents & Regulations

The FDA Food Code

The Food Code is a model for adoption by state, local, tribal, territorial regulatory agencies for regulating the retail and food service segment of the industry (restaurants and grocery stores and institutions such as nursing homes). It represents the agency’s best advice for a uniform system of provisions that address the safety and protection of food, and includes limits for lead in tableware, serviceware, and food contact surfaces.

Compliance Policy Guides

The FDA issues compliance policy guides for FDA staff to assist in their evaluation of evaluating industry compliance with FDA safety requirements. These guides are intended for FDA use but are made publicly available.

Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) Sec. 545.450 Pottery (Ceramics); Import and Domestic – Lead Contamination
	Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) Sec. 545.500 Silver-Plated Hollowware; Import and Domestic - Lead Contamination

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      12/15/2023
              
              
Regulated Product(s)
		 Dietary Supplements
			  			     			  			     Food & BeveragesEnvironmental Contaminants in Food

          
                        Arsenic in Food
          Lead in Food and Foodwares
          Mercury in Food
          Cadmium in Food and Foodwares
          Closer to Zero: Reducing Childhood Exposure to Contaminants from Foods
          Perchlorate
          Radionuclides in Domestic and Imported Foods
          Benzene
          Dioxins & PCBs
          Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
          Testing Results for Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium and Mercury
 
 Footer Links
    FDA Archive
          About FDA
          Accessibility
      Visitor Information
          Website Policies / Privacy
          No FEAR Act
          Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
      FOIA
          HHS.gov
          USA.gov
    Contact FDA
      Follow FDA on Facebook
      Follow FDA on X
      Follow FDA on Instagram
      Follow FDA on LinkedIn
      View FDA videos on YouTube
      Subscribe to FDA RSS feeds
    FDA Homepage
    Contact Number
      1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) Back toTop