The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 118 aims to regulate baby food products concerning the presence of toxic heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Effective January 1, 2027, the bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, or offering for sale of any baby food product that exceeds the toxic heavy metal limits established by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, manufacturers are required to have a proficient laboratory test representative samples of their products for toxic heavy metals at least monthly and report the results to the Commissioner of Consumer Protection if requested.
Furthermore, the bill mandates that manufacturers publicly disclose the presence and amounts of toxic heavy metals in their products on their websites until thirty days after the product's shelf life expires. They must also include a clear statement and a quick response code on the product packaging that directs consumers to more information about the testing results and the effects of toxic heavy metals on children's health. Consumers who suspect violations of these provisions can report their concerns to the Commissioner of Consumer Protection. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.