Karen Pendergrass is a researcher specializing microbial metallomics and microbiome signatures, with a focus on bridging research and clinical practice. She is the co-founder of several initiatives, including Microbiome Signatures and the Heavy Metal Tested & Certified program, which translate complex science into actionable standards.
2025-09-23 10:05:42
The ALARA PrincipleThe ALARA principle (“As Low As Reasonably Achievable”) is a safety standard that minimizes harmful exposures like heavy metals beyond regulatory compliance. By applying continuous reduction practices, it ensures food and consumer products meet the lowest feasible contamination levels, protecting vulnerable populations from cumulative risks.
2025-09-23 09:43:42
Heavy MetalsHeavy metals are high-density elements that accumulate in the body and environment, disrupting biological processes. Lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, nickel, tin, aluminum, and chromium are of greatest concern due to persistence, bioaccumulation, and health risks, making them central to the HMTC program’s safety standards.
2025-09-23 09:06:55
Heavy Metal ToxicityHeavy metal toxicity occurs when metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, nickel, tin, aluminum, and chromium accumulate beyond detoxification capacity, causing oxidative stress, cellular dysfunction, and chronic disease. The HMTC program sets stricter limits to protect vulnerable populations and ensure product safety.
2025-09-23 06:26:49
FDA Infant Rice Cereal Arsenic Recall Urges Stricter Baby Food StandardsFDA announced a voluntary recall of Beech-Nut infant rice cereal due to high arsenic levels. The brand will exit the market entirely. Advocacy groups and lawmakers are urging mandatory heavy metal limits across all baby food categories to better protect infants and enforce food safety accountability.
2025-09-23 05:19:25
FDA Issues Draft Lead limits in Baby Food to Cut Exposure by 27%The FDA’s 2023 draft guidance sets lead limits for baby foods under Closer to Zero, aiming to cut infant lead exposure by 24–27%. The non-binding action levels of 10–20 ppb apply to cereals, fruits, root vegetables, and meats.
2025-09-23 05:14:22
Infant and Child Foods Standards: Heavy Metal Tested and Certified (HMTC) ProgramThe Infant and Child Foods HMTC program sets science-driven standards to reduce toxic heavy metals in baby foods. By enforcing strict testing, preventive supply-chain controls, and continuous improvement, HMTC safeguards infants and toddlers from neurotoxic risks while driving industry accountability and consumer trust.
2025-09-14 11:41:49
Prenatal Heavy Metal Exposure and Infant Neurodevelopment: Risks of Cadmium, Nickel, Lead, and MercuryPrenatal cadmium and nickel exposure negatively impact infant neurodevelopment, particularly expressive language. Heavy metal mixtures demonstrate cumulative risks, underscoring the need for stricter food safety thresholds and mixture-based risk assessments to protect vulnerable populations.
2025-08-06 08:34:27
Phytoremediation and Phytoextraction in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Dual Solution for Remediation and RevenueWhat was reviewed?This review paper evaluates the potential of phytoremediation and phytoextraction as
