summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
03/23/2026
03/23/2026
Crossed Over
03/21/2026
03/21/2026
Passed
Dead
04/13/2026
04/13/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Altering the definition of "baby food" for purposes of certain provisions of law governing baby food testing to include infant cereal; altering the defined term "toxic heavy metal" to be "toxic element" for purposes of certain provisions of law governing baby food testing; authorizing a person to sell, distribute, or offer for sale infant cereal manufactured before April 1, 2028; requiring a manufacturer of baby food to make certain information about baby food publicly available beginning January 1, 2026; etc.
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing Maryland law concerning the testing and labeling of baby food to enhance consumer protection regarding toxic elements. Key changes include redefining "baby food" to specifically include infant cereal, while excluding infant formula from this definition, and renaming "toxic heavy metal" to "toxic element" for clarity. Manufacturers will be required to test baby food for toxic elements, with results made publicly available on their websites and accessible via QR codes on product labels, starting at different times for infant cereal and other baby foods. The bill also mandates that manufacturers retain certificates of analysis for tested baby food for at least five years and sets a deadline for online retailers to provide information about toxic element testing on their product pages. These provisions aim to increase transparency and provide consumers with more information about the safety of the food given to infants and young children.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (18)
Deni Taveras (D)*,
Tiffany Alston (D),
Heather Bagnall (D),
Bonnie Cullison (D),
Pamela Guzzone (D),
Terri Hill (D),
Tom Hutchinson (R),
Aaron Kaufman (D),
Nic Kipke (R),
Lesley Lopez (D),
Ashanti Martínez (D),
Matt Morgan (R),
Teresa Reilly (R),
Sandy Rosenberg (D),
Kim Ross (D),
Kathy Szeliga (R),
Jennifer White Holland (D),
Teresa Woorman (D),
Last Action
Referred Finance (on 03/23/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0196?ys=2026RS |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb0196t.pdf |
| Favorable with Amendments 273825/1 Adopted | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/amds/bil_0006/hb0196_27382501.pdf |
| Vote Image | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/votes_comm/hb0196_hlt.pdf |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb0196f.pdf |
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