Pallone Reintroduces Bill to Protect Babies from Toxins in Formula, Food Amid Trump’s Dangerous Deregulation Agenda

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) has reintroduced the INFANTS Act, legislation that would require infant formula and baby food to be tested for toxic heavy metals and harmful bacteria. His renewed push comes after President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order mandating federal agencies to eliminate regulations-an approach Pallone warns will put children's health in greater danger by weakening already inadequate FDA oversight.

"Donald Trump's extreme deregulation order makes it even more urgent that we pass my INFANTS Act," Pallone said. "Right now, baby food and formula don't have to be tested for toxic metals like lead and mercury which is unacceptable. Parents shouldn't have to worry that what's being sold as nutritious could harm their child. My bill gives FDA the tools to protect kids and prevent future formula shortages. We cannot let Trump's caving to corporate interests undercut basic safety standards for America's infants."

Trump's January 31st executive orderrequires federal agencies to eliminate 10 regulations for every new rule. Pallone said the move is especially concerning given FDA's already limited oversight of infant food safety, including recent cases of lead-contaminated applesauce and the 2022 infant formula crisis caused by Cronobacter-tainted products.

The INFANTS Act-Improving Newborns' Food and Nutrition Testing Safety Act-would:

• Require food facilities to conduct quarterly testing of finished infant and toddler food products for heavy metals and harmful bacteria;
• Clarify FDA's authority to mandate recalls of adulterated products;
• Clarify that manufacturers must report contaminated or misbranded formula within 24 hours; and
• Require manufacturers to establish routine environmental monitoring at powdered formula facilities for Cronobacter and salmonella.

Exposure to toxic metals during infancy is linked to neurological damage, decreased IQ, and long-term developmental harm. Yet under current law, FDA cannot require manufacturers to regularly test finished baby food products or act swiftly to protect consumers.

"The INFANTS Act is about peace of mind for parents and accountability from industry," Pallone said. "We cannot trust companies to police themselves-especially when Trump is making it easier for them to cut corners by decimating staffing in our public health regulatory agencies. I'm fighting to make sure our laws catch up with the science and the needs of parents."

"As a Community Action Agency and a Federally Qualified Health Center, the Jewish Renaissance Foundation remains committed to breaking down barriers to quality health care and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of products for the children and families we serve," said Jaime Rivello, CEO of the Jewish Renaissance Foundation. "The reintroduction of the Infants Act is a critical step in strengthening protections that ensure essential products remain safe and accessible to the public. We commend Congressman Pallone for his continued leadership in advocating for the health and safety of all families, particularly those in underserved communities."

"Without routine testing and sampling, consumers will have little confidence in the safety of baby food and infant formula," said Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs for the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a national environmental health group. "Toxic metals and pathogens have no place in the food we serve to our families, especially our babies and toddlers. EWG applauds Representative Pallone for making the safety of our babies and toddlers a top priority."

The legislation is endorsed by leading advocates and health organizations, including the Environmental Working Group and the Jewish Renaissance Foundation.

Pallone, the Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, said he will continue to press for passage of the bill this year and urged Republicans to resist Trump's dangerous deregulation push.