Role of the Food Chemicals Codex in Lowering Dietary Lead Consumption: A Review

Abstract

Because chemicals used in the production of food constitute a significant portion of the U.S. diet, reducing lead levels in them is one of the long-term objectives of the Committee on Food Chemicals Codex, a committee of the Food and Nutrition Board within the Institute of Medicine. The Committee recommends limits for lead, as well as for other heavy metals, arsenic, and other potentially hazardous constituents in chemicals used in food production. Food Chemicals Codex specifications often become legal standards for food chemical purity in the United States and other countries throughout the world. The Committee plans to lower lead limits for food chemicals based on their level of consumption or reported use. Data regarding food chemical use are available from the 1987 Poundage and Technical Effects Update of Substances Added to Food. Because of their high level of consumption, sweeteners constitute a group of food chemicals in which lower lead limits could reduce dietary lead intake. A test method capable of measuring lead at lower levels in certain sweeteners has been published in the third supplement to the Food Chemicals Codex, 3rd edition. The Committee's objective is to ensure that the substances listed in the Food Chemicals Codex do not contribute significant amounts of lead to the diet.