FDA's interim reference levels for lead
FDA's interim reference levels (IRLs) for lead are dietary-exposure benchmarks, not limits for supplements: 2.2 micrograms per day for children and 8.8 micrograms per day for females of childbearing age. [1]
What they are
FDA describes an IRL as a benchmark it may use to judge whether lead exposure from food is a potential health concern. That makes it FDA's food-exposure benchmark, not a legal limit for supplements. [1]
The levels include a 10x safety factor relative to the CDC blood lead reference value. [1]
The level for females of childbearing age is meant to protect against fetal exposure and infant exposure during nursing. [1]
Sources
- U.S. FDA — Lead in Food and Foodwares retrieved 2026-10-27