Heavy Metals in baby food, get ready to use QR codes to get the info

Two states make waves to change toxin levels in baby food.

California has become the first state to require baby food manufacturers to test their products for toxic heavy metals to the level of 6 parts per billion (PPB) and to disclose the results to the public. The new law, AB 899 which went into effect on January 1, 2025, requires manufacturers to use an accredited lab to test representative samples of their infant and toddler food products at least once a month for levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Keep in mind that infant formula is excluded from this legislation.

A second state, Maryland’ Rudy’s Law will come into effect next year. Manufactures will start reporting to consumers in 2026  for the 4 levels of toxic metals. Its law uses the FDA levels for heavy metals as the limits in the foods for babies and children less than 2 years of age. Unfortunately, they are higher than the California standards.

The state laws apply only to sales of baby food in California and Maryland, however major manufacturers such as Gerber and Beech-Nut have announced plans to roll out QR codes on their products nationwide. The QR codes will allow consumers to access the test results by scanning the code with their smartphones.

The Problem: Contamination

The new law is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of baby food products, which have been found to contain alarming levels of heavy metals in the past. According to a 2021 congressional investigation, some baby food samples contained up to 177 times the lead level, 91 times the inorganic arsenic level, and 69 times the cadmium level allowed in bottled water by federal agencies.

Some of the companies were not testing the finished products,  just the individual ingredients (see: https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/29/health/baby-food-toxins-update-wellness/index.html). Not all were included and the final product had a cumulative amount leading to underreporting.

The heavy metals found in baby food have been linked to cancer, chronic disease, and neurotoxic effects, and can have devastating effects on a developing child’s brain. The new law requires manufacturers to test their products to a level of six parts per billion for each heavy metal, and if the result is over that, they must specify the number.

Solutions: Testing and Reporting

Manufacturers can greatly reduce levels of toxic metals by carefully choosing their suppliers and using regenerative farming techniques. No-till farming, rotating crops, and growing cover crops can all help microbes in the soil bind with heavy metals, leaving fewer toxins for plants to absorb.

The new law applies to all baby foods manufactured on or after January 1, 2025, but consumers should be aware that existing products that do not meet the new guidelines do not have to be removed from retail shelves. Products with the new QR codes may trickle in during the early part of 2025 as companies adjust their production schedules.

There have been some standout companies that have been reporting even before the requirements came into effect, Plum Organics, Once Upon a Farm, and Square Baby are leading the way by making their 2024 testing results publicly available on their websites. Other manufacturers, like Cerebelly, Lil’ Gourmets, and Little Spoon, are also making their testing results available. As a note, they require consumers to enter a lot number for each product to specifically identify their products. You’ll find this on the label.

Some manufacturers are taking it a step further by voluntarily reporting on products that aren’t even required to be tested under the law. Once Upon a Farm, for example, is reporting on all of its products, not just those intended for children under the age of two. And Kabrita, an infant formula manufacturer, is reporting on their infant formula, which is exempt from the law’s requirements.

It’s also encouraging to see that some manufacturers are using a reporting level that’s well below the 6 parts per billion (ppb) limits in the law. For example, seven manufacturers – Fresh Bellies, Lil’ Gourmets, Little Spoon, Plum Organics, Ready Set Food, Serenity Kids, and Square Baby – are reporting levels of 3 ppb or lower.

As a parent, it’s reassuring to know that some manufacturers are taking these extra steps to prioritize the health and safety of your child. When shopping for baby food, look for manufacturers that are transparent about their testing results and committed to using safe and healthy ingredients. Yes, it takes a moment to look at their websites however,  the health implications for your young family members are significant.

Some experts have expressed concerns about implementing the new law, including the potential for some baby food companies to choose not to comply with the regulations, which is an option if they choose not to do business in California. Parents and caregivers should be careful consumers and read the nutritional labels to ensure that they are choosing products with the lowest levels of heavy metals. Keep in mind that the idea of no level of heavy metals may not be achievable due to the natural content in the soil where the crops are grown.

As the new law rolls out, it is possible to see even bigger reductions in heavy metals and other contaminants as companies battle for consumer loyalty. The law is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of baby food products, and it is likely to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of children across the country.

Stay tuned for more updates as the food industry addresses other issues including plastic contamination and more.

Take Aways:

Check the labels of all baby foods

Make certain you compare the amount of toxins based on serving or portion sizes…..this varies from one manufacturer to another so the amount of metals will vary proportionately

Get familiar with using QR codes

Shop from firms that have been great consumer-oriented and safe products for years