U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) have introduced a new bill aimed at protecting the health of infants and toddlers. The Baby Food Safety Act of 2024 seeks to limit the levels of toxic heavy metals in baby food. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois) and Tony Cárdenas (D-California) are leading the House version of the bill.
The proposed legislation would empower the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce scientifically established limits on heavy metals in food made for children up to 24 months old. It would also require food manufacturers to conduct regular sampling, testing, and recordkeeping of contaminants in both imported and domestically processed foods. Additionally, the bill calls for a study to enhance transparency regarding FDA inspections of food facilities in the U.S. and abroad.
If the bill is passed, the FDA would be able to set limits on:
- Lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic in infant and toddler food
- Lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic in food pouches made with fruit or vegetable puree or juice
- Lead and arsenic in juice
- Additional contaminants in these foods, if deemed necessary
Foods exceeding these limits at the final product stage would be considered adulterated.
The legislation responds to a request from FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, M.D., who, during a Senate subcommittee hearing on May 8, 2024, urged Congress to expand FDA’s authority. Dr. Califf highlighted the need for mandatory testing for contaminants in baby food and improved reporting and environmental monitoring from manufacturers.
At the state level, Maryland introduced similar legislation in February 2024. Known as “Rudy’s Law,” Maryland House Bill 97 would require baby food manufacturers to test their products for toxic metals and make the results available to consumers.
Recent food safety crises have heightened concerns about contaminants in baby food. In late 2023 and early 2024, cases of lead poisoning in children were linked to fruit puree pouches containing contaminated imported cinnamon. In 2022, a major formula production facility closure led to a nationwide shortage of infant formula. Some infants became sick, and a few died, after consuming formula contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii produced at the facility.
The Baby Food Safety Act of 2024 aims to prevent such incidents by ensuring stricter oversight and safer standards for baby food products.
