Consumer protection: Toxic baby food awareness bill arrives on Pritzker's desk

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bipartisan plan on Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could help properly inform parents about the toxic metals in baby food.

The bill could require baby food manufacturers to test their products for toxic heavy metals. Companies would then have to clearly label how much of each toxic metal is found in their food.

Manufacturers must also include a QR code for people to scan and find more information about the test results and FDA guidance about the health effects of toxic elements for children.

"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 measure after her chief of staff's son was inadvertently exposed to heavy toxic metals in baby food.

Senate Bill 73 gained unanimous support in both chambers this spring.