Baby Food Safety Act: Mandatory Contaminant Limits and Testing for Infants
This Act introduces strict new safety rules for food intended for infants and toddlers (up to 24 months), focusing on limiting harmful heavy metals. Citizens can expect that baby food must meet established limits for lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, directly enhancing public health protection. Manufacturers will be required to conduct mandatory testing and environmental monitoring programs, and the FDA gains stronger authority for inspections and mandatory recalls of unsafe products.
Key points
New Contaminant Limits: The FDA must establish maximum allowable levels for lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic in infant and toddler food, fruit/vegetable puree pouches, and juice.
Mandatory Manufacturer Testing: Facilities producing baby food must implement written sampling and testing plans for final products regarding heavy metals, and establish environmental monitoring programs in their plants.
Increased Enforcement and Recalls: Food exceeding the established limits will be deemed adulterated. The FDA gains mandatory recall authority for unsafe infant and toddler food (other than infant formula).
Preemption of State Laws: The Act prevents states and local governments from setting different or additional requirements regarding contaminant limits, testing, or labeling for these specific food categories.
Expired
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