Your best defense against lead in your food, according to a toxicologist

(CNN) — Lead shouldn’t be in your food, right?

Exposure to the substance has been linked to a wide range of health impacts, including developmental problems, nervous system damage and hearing problems in children; and high blood pressure, joint pain and reproductive problems in adults.

At the same time, reports continue to document high levels of lead in food products such as applesauce , cinnamon powder , protein powder and chocolate . This year, the US Food and Drug Administration established new guidance on limits of lead content in baby food .

It makes sense to ask: Why would there be lead in your diet at all?

How lead gets into food

Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in our planet, and it has been used in products such as gasoline, paint, plumbing, cosmetics, ce