Pritzker signs toxic baby food awareness bill into law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new bipartisan law will help notify parents about the toxic metals in baby food.

The legislation requires Illinois baby food manufacturers to test their products for toxic heavy metals. Companies will then have to clearly label how much of each toxic metal is found in their food.

Manufacturers must also include a QR code to reveal information about test results and FDA facts about the health effects.

“When feeding your baby, you want to be sure your child is receiving the healthiest nutrition possible,” said Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview). “However, parents may not realize that in some cases, the baby food they’re feeding their child contains dangerous levels of heavy metals.”

Fine filed this plan after her chief of staff’s son was inadvertently exposed to heavy toxic metals in baby food.

The law received unanimous support in both chambers this spring. It will take effect on January 1.