The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking additional steps to reduce children’s exposure to heavy metals through its Closer to Zero initiative. The agency has proposed new action levels for cadmium in processed foods intended for babies and young children and released draft guidance to help food manufacturers identify and reduce chemical hazards. While cadmium can occur naturally in the environment, the FDA is encouraging manufacturers to take steps to minimize its presence in food while preserving access to nutritious products.
The FDA is accepting public comments on the proposed cadmium action levels through Dec. 22, 2026, and on the draft guidance through Jan. 21, 2027.
Read the full release from the FDA here.
Read the agency’s proposed new action levels here.