In the wake of a multimillion-dollar settlement by baby formula maker Abbott Laboratories over an alleged bacterial contamination in 2022 at multiple facilities, there’s a renewed push in New York to get a bill signed into law to set state standards for testing baby food and infant formula.
“I think the governor signing our bill has never been more important,” said Democratic state Sen. Michelle Hinchey.
Hinchey is the sponsor of the Baby Food and Infant Formula Safety and Transparency Act in her chamber. The measure passed the state Legislature this past session. It’s now up to Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign into law.
Hinchey says in the wake of the recent announcement of Abbott Laboratories settling for more than $384 million over allegations related to contaminated infant formula, New York needs to step up to protect some of its most vulnerable residents.
“I think this situation with Abbott highlighted the need to have state level regulations and actually set thresholds for what is considered safe for heavy metals in baby food and infant formula that right now doesn’t exist at the federal level,” said Hinchey.
Currently, Hinchey said there are federal guidelines that manufacturers have to follow, but “they’re not necessarily enforceable.”
“I think parents and caregivers will tell you that this is critically important,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy for Consumer Reports.
Ronholm helped to get this measure passed.
“What the industry will tell you is that it’s the most heavily regulated product in the world. To an extent that’s true, but that only relates to the nutrition content of the infant formula,” said Ronholm.
In a statement from the governor’s office, a spokesperson said in part: “As New York’s first mom Governor, the health and safety of New York’s kids will always be the Governor’s top priority and she will review the bill.”
As part of this bill, manufacturers would be required to put a label on both the baby food and infant formula with a QR code so families can check the level of toxic chemicals.