Bill > HB196

This bill expands the definition of "baby food" to explicitly include infant formula and infant cereal, in addition to food packaged for children under two years old, and establishes new requirements for manufacturers to ensure the safety of baby food sold in Maryland. Starting January 1, 2025, manufacturers must test each batch of baby food for toxic heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury using a proficient laboratory, meaning a lab accredited to international standards and capable of sensitive testing. While baby food manufactured before January 1, 2026, is exempt, by January 1, 2026, manufacturers must make test results for toxic heavy metals publicly available on their websites, along with product identification and links to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance, and if a product exceeds FDA limits for toxic elements, it must include a QR code on its label that links to these test results and FDA information. Consumers who believe baby food exceeds these limits are encouraged to report it to the Department of Health.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0196?ys=2026RS