As the next phase of the Make America Health Again plan is developed, it must include a significant effort to reduce heavy metals in food – an issue that disproportionately threatens our children’s health. I cannot think of a more important objective for the MAHA commission. I hope President Donald Trump’s team and the Congress will see now as the time for actions.
The president has made clear to the American people that his administration is committed to Making America Healthy Again. As a farmer, I know first-hand the importance of safe, nutritious food as a foundation for a healthy America. For too long the hidden threat of heavy metal contamination in our food has gone largely unaddressed by FDA. This cannot continue.
A recent study conducted by the International Food Information Council found that 41% of Americans cited heavy metal contamination as a top food safety concern. It is no wonder that that same survey found that American’s trust in our nation’s food system continues to decline. Acting now is not only the right thing to do—it also fits perfectly into the MAHA agenda
Reducing heavy metals in food will not be easy, but that shouldn’t prevent the administration from acting decisively. The largest source of contamination in certain foods comes from naturally occurring toxic elements (lead, cadmium, arsenic) found in our agricultural soils around the world. We need to help farmers in the United States prevent these contaminants from reaching our childrens’ plates.
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So far, government actions to protect children have been woefully inadequate. FDA launched its Closer to Zero program in 2021 as a response to the 2019 congressional report urging action. FDA’s limited response, narrowly focused on processed foods, has made little meaningful progress to protect our children. According to research sponsored by the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Science, the most concerning exposure from food occurs in young children, ages 2-5.
These children eat many adult foods that are not regulated by FDA’s Closer to Zero program. I urge the FDA to address the threat of heavy metal contamination in all foods with policies that protect all Americans, especially our most vulnerable.
The nation’s farmers will play a critical role in solving this problem. New approaches on our farms are showing great promise in reducing crop uptake of heavy metals. We need to accelerate our efforts to help farmers solve this serious health concern by giving them the tools and technology they need. This will require investments in public research, engagement with farmers and partnerships with the private sector, areas on which USDA is well equipped to lead and collaborate with FDA.
The USDA must be a driver of on-farm innovation to reduce heavy metal contamination in food.
The need for action on heavy metals in food is indisputable. The science is clear; the threat is real and the need for action is undeniable. The president and his administration have the opportunity to deliver a significant boost to our nation’s health, especially young Americans. Our farmers stand ready to help.
Kip Tom is vice chair of rural policy at the America First Policy Institute. He served as ambassador to the UN food and agriculture agencies during the first Trump administration.
