FDA Head Urges Congress to Pass Requisite Lead Test

Dr. Robert Califf, head of the FDA, called on Congress on Thursday to pass legislation requiring food manufacturers to test for lead in products imported to the U.S., reports NBC News.

Califf’s comment was made in response to a question from Representative Jamie Raskin during a hearing regarding the FDA’s response to various issues, one of which concerned lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches imported from Ecuador that sickened children in 44 states.

“In the case of cinnamon applesauce, if there had been mandatory testing, when it got imported into the U.S. from Ecuador, the stores that were selling it probably would have picked it up at that point,” Califf said, noting that there is no federal requirement for testing for lead in foods.

The FDA doesn’t currently set limits on heavy metals, including lead, in most foods; rather, only a handful of products have specific lead limits, according to the report.

“At FDA, we're referees,” said Califf. “You all in Congress actually write the rule books.” Full Story