AG James urges government to protect children from toxic metals in baby foods

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – New York’s Attorney General Letitia James is taking the next step in protecting children from toxic metals in baby food.

James formed a coalition of 22 Attorney Generals, calling on the heads of the FDA and Department of Agriculture to take swift action.

In a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannis, and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, the coalition urged the federal agencies to take immediate actions to drive down the levels of dangerous toxic metals in food for babies and young children.

This is the latest action in a series of efforts led by Attorney General James in response to increasing alarm regarding the health hazards posed by lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in baby foods, including infant cereals, purees, and other products for babies and young children, aside from formula.

“No parent should have to worry about whether the food they serve their children is safe to eat,” said Attorney General James. “While our federal food safety watchdogs are working to implement critical long-term solutions, there are immediate, common-sense steps they can take that would begin to drive down the levels of toxic metals in baby foods. The FDA and USDA must act now — and give parents the peace of mind they deserve in the safety of the food they feed their children.”

In April 2021, the Attorney General launched an ongoing probe into several manufacturers of baby food regarding levels of inorganic arsenic found in infant rice cereal products and the advertising of these products.

The letter to the FDA commissioner can be read below.

Ags Letter to FDA and Usda Leadership 6-23-2022 by News10NBC on Scribd