The Issue
According to a 2019 study, “95% of baby foods tested contained one or more toxic heavy metals.” Prolonged exposure to these metals, like arsenic, lead, and mercury, can lead to slowed development, increased cancer risks, cognitive deficits, damage to major organs, behavioral issues, and much more.
As of January 2026, there is no federal requirement for manufacturers of baby food to have their products tested for toxic heavy metals by a qualified laboratory. On the state level, only California, Maryland, and Virginia mandate that baby food sold in their state be tested for toxic heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, by an approved laboratory. Other states are considering similar action. Toxic heavy metals in baby food are costly to manufacturers, the health care system, and most of all to babies, their families, and their future.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, with its Closer to Zero initiative, has also called for a decrease in toxic elements in food. For example, in a January 2025 guidance document, the agency states, “Manufacturers should conduct increased testing of foods that are historically known to contain elevated lead levels; this is particularly important for ingredients or processed foods intended for babies and young children.”
A Vivid Example
Dietary exposure to unhealthy levels of contaminants in baby food can be devastating to a child. In Maryland, a 17-month-old boy named Rudy Callahan, was one of hundreds of people reporting lead poisoning to the federal government from apple puree pouches containing contaminated cinnamon. After a routine doctor’s visit, Rudy’s blood-lead levels were found to be six times the minimum risk threshold. Prolonged exposure to toxic heavy metals at a young age can lead to neurodevelopmental disabilities. Unfortunately for Rudy, his parents report that he is being treated for speech delays.
Rudy’s parents took action and worked with the Maryland legislature to pass a bill requiring baby food sold in the state to be tested for toxic heavy metals by a qualified laboratory. On May 16, 2024, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the bill into law, referring to it as Rudy’s Law.
In 2025, the federal government introduced legislation such as HR 2472, which calls for limiting exposure of contaminants, such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, in baby food. Like the state laws, the federal legislation must require testing to be performed by reputable laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, a globally recognized laboratory testing standard These standards ensure laboratories produce accurate, reliable test results.
Our Ask
To ensure baby food is tested by a qualified laboratory for dangerous toxic heavy metals, the following language should be included in legislation:
“Testing shall be conducted by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing laboratory that is accredited by a full member and signatory to the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated mutual recognition arrangement.”
Contact your elected officials and ask them to include this language in legislation regarding testing for heavy metals in baby food to protect infants and children.
For more information regarding accreditation, contact A2LA at info@A2LA.org, or reach out to A2LA Director of Government Relations Randy Querry at rquerry@A2LA.org. To begin the accreditation process for your organization, visit A2LA.org/estimate-request.
*Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated may also be referred to as International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation and International Accreditation Forum.