AG ​Bonta issued an enforcement advisory letter to companies that manufacture or sell baby food in California, reminding them of requirements under Assembly Bill 899 (AB 899), authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), to disclose the presence of heavy metals in baby food products. AB 899 specifically requires each manufacturer of baby food sold or distributed in California to test a representative sample of the manufacturer’s final baby food product for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, and to disclose those test results publicly on its website. However, reporting shows that some companies may not be properly disclosing these test results, in that their websites only allow consumers to access test results by entering product-specific information, like a code found on the package. This makes it difficult for consumers to access test results for baby food products unless they purchase the products or view them in a store. Failure to comply with the law’s requirements limits parents’ and caregivers’ ability to protect babies from the serious long-term health risks of exposure to heavy metals. It also results in retailers being prohibited from selling the manufacturer’s baby food products in California.

“As a dad of three, I understand that every parent wants their child to grow up safe and healthy. Parents should not have to question whether baby food is safe to eat, and that’s why California law requires companies to disclose the presence of heavy metals. Heavy metals can be harmful to young children, and testing and disclosure practices represent a victory for public health that empowers consumers to protect their little ones. – AG Bonta