The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued draft action levels for lead in single-strength (ready to drink) apple juice and other single-strength juices and juice blends. The intention is to reduce the potential for negative health effects from dietary exposure to lead, and supports the agency's Closer to Zero action plan that sets forth the FDA's science-based approach to reducing exposure to toxic elements in foods.
"Exposure of our most vulnerable populations, especially children, to elevated levels of toxic elements from foods is unacceptable," said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. "This action to limit lead in juice represents an important step forward in advancing FDA's Closer to Zero action plan, which we are confident will have a lasting public health impact on current and future generations."