SPRINGFIELD – To protect infants from exposure to toxic heavy metals, State Senator Laura Fine spearheaded a new law requiring testing of baby food products for these toxins on Jan. 1.

“Parents should never have to worry that the food they give their children could harm their health,” said Fine. “By establishing mandatory testing and transparency between manufacturers and consumers, this law gives parents peace of mind about the contents of the baby food they’re purchasing.”

Under Fine’s law, manufacturers must test samples of their baby food products for toxic elements – such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury – every month and disclose this information directly on the product’s website.

Information that must be publicly available on the manufacturer’s website includes the name and level of each toxic heavy metal found in the food, the product name, UPC, and a link to the FDA’s website with information about the health risks of toxic heavy metal exposure for children. Links to this information must also be easily accessible on the products themselves through a QR code.

“Parents and children deserve access to safe and nutritious food products,” said Fine. “This law ensures we are being proactive in our efforts to promote food safety and protecting families from unnecessary exposure.”

Senate Bill 73 took effect Jan. 1.