Facts:

The FDA has issued new guidance for the amount of lead allowed in baby food.

The guidance limits lead prevalence to 10 parts per billion (ppb) in fruits, some vegetables and yogurt, and 20ppb in root vegetables and dry cereal.

The move is in response to decades of research showing the potentially devastating impact of lead exposure on a child’s brain development.

Nearly every baby food in America was found to contain toxic chemicals, including arsenic and lead, in a report last year.

Major US chocolate manufacturers are facing nearly a dozen lawsuits after it was revealed that their dark chocolate bars contained lead.

Lead often finds its way into food when they are absorbed into the environment through soil and industrial dust.

Children exposed to lead can suffer hampered development to their brain and nervous system, and may have slowed growth, learning, behavior, hearing, and speech issues.

Arguments:

The FDA’s new guidance is necessary to protect the health and development of children who consume baby food.

The prevalence of toxic chemicals, including lead, in baby food is alarming and requires immediate action.

The lawsuits facing major US chocolate manufacturers highlight the need for stricter regulation and enforcement to prevent toxic chemicals from being present in food products.

The unenforceable nature of the FDA’s guidance means that companies may choose not to abide by these rules, which could put children’s health at risk.

More comprehensive regulation and enforcement are necessary to ensure that toxic chemicals, including lead, are not present in food products.