Ten Parts Per Billion: Trump's FDA Just Proposed Clear Limits on Cadmium in Baby Food. Parents Should Cheer
On Oct. 22, the FDA proposed cadmium action levels for processed foods for babies and toddlers under 2, from 10 parts per billion for fruits and vegetables to 45 for dry infant cereals. In our view, it is a practical win for parents, and industry should beat these numbers, not just meet them.
By Clara Hughes
ALTAS WORLD NEWS OPINION | By Clara Hughes, Chief Opinion Editor | October 23, 2026 | 6-min read Few things are more trusting than a parent spooning puréed carrots into a baby's mouth. That jar or pouch is supposed to be the safest food in the house. On Thursday, President Trump's Food and Drug Administration moved to make sure it is. The agency proposed new action levels for cadmium, a heavy metal, in processed foods meant for babies and young children under 2 [1]. In our view, this is the kind of practical, science-based step parents have been asking for, and it deserves broad support. Key Takeaways The FDA proposed cadmium action levels for processed foods for babies and young children under 2 on Oct. 22 [1][2]. The proposed levels are 10 parts per billion for fruits, vegetables (except single-ingredient carrots) and mixtures; 25 ppb for single-ingredient carrots; 45 ppb for dry infant cereals; 20 ppb for yogurts, puddings and custards; and 25 ppb for single-ingredient meats [3]. Action levels are levels at which the FDA may regard food as adulterated [2][3]. The FDA says the levels are