FDA Head Urges Lawmakers to Pass Legislation Mandating Lead Testing by Food Manufacturers

Food manufacturers are not currently required to test final products for contaminants.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf testifies to a House of Representatives committee in Washington, on April 11, 2024. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging lawmakers to pass legislation mandating food manufacturers test for lead in their food products from overseas.

Speaking to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Dr. Robert Califf said the FDA needs lawmakers to enact legislation granting the agency authority to make lead testing compulsory among such manufacturers, as it is unable to do so alone.