Illinois House unanimously passes toxic baby food awareness bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House unanimously passed a plan Tuesday to properly notify parents about the toxic metals in baby food.

This legislation 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 baby 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.

"This bill arises from a personal story from my home township. The chief of staff to Senator Fine is a proud new father, and his son was inadvertently exposed to heavy toxic metals in baby food," said Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl (D-Northbrook). "So, they went through the process of finding out what additional work we could do here in Illinois to test for things like arsenic, lead and mercury in baby food."

The proposal will now head back to the Senate on concurrence. Senators unanimously approved the original bill language last month.

"When feeding your baby, you want to be sure your child is receiving the healthiest nutrition possible," said Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview). "However, many parents may not realize that in some cases, the baby food they're feeding their child contains dangerous levels of heavy metals."