Why do we test for heavy metals in baby food?

The presence of heavy metals in baby food is a concern primarily because these substances can naturally occur in the environment. The goal is not to eliminate foods that may naturally contain trace amounts of heavy metals but to minimize exposure through rigorous testing, sourcing, and preparation.

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Our Efforts

  • Stricter Standards

    At Sophie's Organics, we set strict internal limits for heavy metals and conduct extensive testing.

  • Better Farming Practices

    Reducing the use of contaminated water, rotating crops, and using clean soil can help limit heavy metal absorption.

  • Transparency

    Our four point testing approach provides parents and families with confidence in product safety. See below for testing results.

Our Commitment to Safety and Quality

We prioritize safety and adhere to the highest quality standards for baby food. Our entire product range complies with U.S. regulations

Heavy Metal Limits Across Regulatory Standards

U.S.

E.U.

Clean Label

Heavy Metal

U.S. FDA's Closer to Zero

European Union Regulation

Clean Label Project First 1000 Days Promise

Lead

10 ppb

20 ppb

20 ppb

Arsenic

N/A

20 ppb

100 ppb

Cadmium

N/A

40 ppb

40 ppb

Mercury

N/A

N/A

100 ppb

  • U.S. FDA Closer to Zero
    The FDA has established action levels to reduce heavy metal exposure in baby food. For example, lead limits vary by food type, with a maximum of 10 ppb for fruits, vegetables, mixtures, yogurts, and meats, while root vegetables and dry infant cereals have a higher threshold of 20 ppb. (Final Guidance for Industry, January 2025, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.)
  • European Union Regulation
    The EU enforces strict heavy metal limits for baby food and cereal-based products intended for infants up to 3 years old. (Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915, April 2023.)
  • Clean Label Project
    This nonprofit organization independently evaluates baby food safety, emphasizing stricter limits for contaminants to promote transparency and purity.

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