California Baby Food Testing Law Expected to Fill In FDA Gap

A California law requiring baby food makers to test their products for toxic heavy metals is expected to surpass FDA guidelines in the race to pressure manufacturers to limit exposure, food safety groups say.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Oct. 10 signed the law (AB 899) requiring baby food manufacturers both in and out of the state to begin conducting monthly tests in January measuring levels of lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic in their products.

By 2025, baby food makers will have to publicly disclose test results, and include in a product’s label if it meets the ...