SPRINGFIELD – To ensure families and their children are protected from toxic heavy metals, State Senator Laura Fine advanced a measure to strengthen safety regulations for baby foods.

“Parents expect baby food to be manufactured safely,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “By informing families of the potential presence of toxic heavy metals in baby food, we can prevent exposure and give parents peace of mind about what their child is eating.”

To expand safety regulations for baby food, Fine’s bill would require manufacturers to test samples of their baby food products for toxic elements – such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury – and disclose this information directly on the product’s website.

The measure also requires manufacturers to make certain information about their product publicly available on their website, including 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 can also be found on the products themselves, through a QR code.

“Young children and babies, due to their small size and active development, are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of heavy metal exposure, such as behavioral issues and an increased risk of cancer,” said Fine. “It is critical that we minimize potential risks by keeping parents informed about the contents of the baby food and expand testing procedures.”

Senate Bill 73 passed the Senate on Friday.