I read the disturbing news this morning that there have been toxic levels of lead detected in many popular brands of food and juice meant for consumption by children. The Oakland, California-based group called the Environmental Law Foundation conducted the testing and found levels of lead in many products that exceed the threshold of California’s Proposition 65, which requires manufacturers to label products that contain chemicals known to be associated with causing cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm. Proposition 65’s upper limit for lead is 0.5 micrograms per serving.

Some of the items that exceeded the limit include:

Gerber 3rd Foods Pears
Gerber 3rd Foods Peaches
Gerber 100% Juice – White Grape Juice
Beech Nut 100% Apple Juice
Earth’s Best Organics Apple Juice
Gerber 100% Juice Apple Juice
Tree Top 100% Juice, Grape

This is just a small sampling. To see the complete list of all products tested click here (pdf).

Lead is one of the most common heavy metal poisonings. It interferes with a large number of organs and body processes and can cause damage to the heart, kidneys and intestines as well as the reproductive and nervous systems. The United States banned its use in paint starting in 1977 but it can be found in a variety of other sources (including houses that were painted prior to 1977). I would think the last place anyone would look for lead would be in food primarily consumed by children — it’s a good thing someone did check it out.

It will be interesting to see how the companies respond.

Posted on June 15th, 2010 by monica
Filed under: Food and Beverage Safety