Researchers from Tulane University assessed the levels and risks of toxic metals in chocolates sold in the U.S., made from beans originating from different global regions.

An expert report commissioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) weighed the nutritional benefits of seafood consumption against the health risk of dietary exposure to contaminants in seafood, with special consideration to childhood growth and development. 

To protect the health of young children, the Baby Food Safety Act of 2024 has been introduced in U.S. Congress to give FDA the authority to enforce scientifically established limits on heavy metals in commercially produced infant and toddler food.

A recent study comparing the presence of chemical contaminants in conventionally and hydroponically grown produce found pesticide residues and toxic heavy metals in a larger number of conventional samples than in hydroponic samples. Phthalate levels were consistent between conventional and hydroponic samples.

AOAC INTERNATIONAL's metals scientific community has formed a working group to review regulations and requirements for metals content in food, and to update the AOAC Standard Method Performance Requirements for metals analysis. The working group is also reviewing existing methods based on Codex Alimentarius requirements for metals analysis.
 

NASEM has completed a study to better understand the nutritional benefits of seafood consumption versus the health hazards posed by contaminants like toxic heavy metals. The study fulfills a request from FDA, partly in a Closer to Zero effort to answer questions about mercury exposure. A webinar about the findings will be held on March 26, 2024.

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we are joined by Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy for Consumer Reports, who lends his insight as a consumer advocate and former regulator to a discussion around food regulatory policy and food safety legislation. We dissect a variety of current events in food safety, such as toxic heavy metals in baby foods and food additives legislation, from multiple perspectives, including industry, consumer, regulatory, and consumer advocate.

Maryland House Bill 97, also known as “Rudy’s Law,” would require baby food manufacturers to test products for toxic heavy metals and make the results available to consumers

In light of the recent string of lead poisoning cases in children across the U.S. linked to fruit puree pouches contaminated with lead and chromium, members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce have written a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to express concerns and request an immediate briefing.

Based on a recent risk assessment conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), European consumers’ dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic is a health concern, with associated effects including different types of cancer, birth issues, and other issues.