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Cereal and Juice, Lead and Arsenic, Our Children at Risk: A Call for the FDA to Re-Evaluate the Allowable Limits of Lead and Arsenic That Children May Ingest

Author

Listed:
  • Lorenz S. Neuwirth

    (SUNY Old Westbury, Department of Psychology, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
    SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA)

  • Ericka Cabañas

    (SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
    SUNY Old Westbury, Department of Biology, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA)

  • Patrick Cadet

    (SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
    SUNY Old Westbury, Department of Biology, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA)

  • Wei Zhu

    (SUNY Old Westbury, Department of Psychology, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
    SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA)

  • Morri E. Markowitz

    (Lead Poisoning Treatment and Prevention Program, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA)

Abstract

Eliminating heavy metal contamination of foods is a goal yet to be achieved in the U.S. In recent months, efforts have been underway to have the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) re-evaluate the permissible limits of lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) allowable in cereals and juices aimed for consumption by children. This report discusses the recent scientific literature that support proposed revisions in these limits. It presents proactive suggestions for the FDA to consider in its response to concerns of ongoing Pb and As exposures in food and drinks. While more scientific studies are needed to better define ‘safe’ levels of Pb and As exposures and ingestion of these elements in general are neurotoxic, the higher sensitivity of children to these toxic elements makes it imperative that the FDA adjust standards to be most protective of infants, toddlers, and children.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorenz S. Neuwirth & Ericka Cabañas & Patrick Cadet & Wei Zhu & Morri E. Markowitz, 2022. "Cereal and Juice, Lead and Arsenic, Our Children at Risk: A Call for the FDA to Re-Evaluate the Allowable Limits of Lead and Arsenic That Children May Ingest," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-8, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:10:p:5788-:d:812016
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