Seven months after releasing a report alleging “dangerous” levels of heavy metals in top baby food brands, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi's subcommittee on economic and consumer policy has released a follow-up report alleging that the industry “consistently cut corners and put profit over the health of babies and children.”
Beech-Nut recalls infant rice cereal due to arsenic concerns By Kate Gibson FDA to propose limits on arsenic and lead in baby food
Beech-Nut Nutrition is recalling some infant rice cereal sold nationwide because samples of the product showed excessive levels of arsenic. The baby food maker also says it will stop selling the product over worries it won t be able to comply with federal limits on levels of arsenic and other toxic substances that are called heavy metals.
The recall came after testing found samples contained more than the guidance level for naturally occurring inorganic arsenic set by the Food and Drug Administration last year.
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On Tuesday, Attorney General Letitia James of New York urged the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will set minimum safety standards for all baby foods about toxic metals.
James called the FDA to follow suggestions given last week by a U.S. House panel to set guidelines on all baby foods, not just rice cereal, and to mandate food producers to screen for harmful metals instead of finished product additives.
She also said that she is exploring all legal options simultaneously. The FDA said it got the letter and will reply directly to AG James. Last week, the department said it had a firm intention to continue reducing public exposure to toxic foodborne elements and other pollutants. Dangerous amounts of radioactive heavy metals in some baby foods that could cause brain harm was identified in the House Committee on Oversight and Reform report.