Pennsylvania Advances Bill That Would Set Limits on Heavy Metals in Baby Foods
The Pennsylvania House has advanced HB 507, introduced by Representative Liz Hanbidge (D-61). Also known as the Baby Food Protection Act, the legislation aims to set enforceable limits for toxic heavy metals in baby foods, as well as testing and labeling requirements.
If passed as-is, the Baby Food Protection Act would set limits for:
- Total arsenic at 10 parts per billion (ppb)
- Lead at 5 ppb
- Cadmium at 5 ppb
- Mercury at 2 ppb.
Under the act, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture would also be required to test a representative sample of each batch of baby food manufactured in the state for arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. All baby foods tested by the Department of Agriculture would be required to carry a label noting the levels of the four heavy metals present in the product.
The act would apply to food that is pureed or minced to be easily consumed by babies or toddlers under two years of age. Requirements of the act would come into effect one year after being enacted into law.
The Baby Food Protection Act now moves to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration.
If Pennsylvania passes the act, it would become the sixth state to enforce toxic heavy metals testing for baby foods, joining Vermont, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, and California. A similar bill also passed the New York Senate in June—although it has not yet been signed or vetoed by the Governor.
Looking for quick answers on food safety topics?
Try Ask FSM, our new smart AI search tool.
Ask FSM →
