House skewers industry, FDA over heavy metal levels in baby food

摘要

A House subcommittee on Feb. 4 issued a scathing report alleging baby food manufacturers were marketing products they knew contained "dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals." The report was prepared by staff of the subcommittee on economic and consumer policy of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.The subcommittee's chairman, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, said, "Baby food manufacturers hold a special position of public trust. But consumers mistakenly believe that these companies would not sell unsafe products. The subcommittee's staff report found that these manufacturers knowingly sell baby food containing high levels of toxic heavy metals. I hope companies will commit to making safer baby foods. Regardless, it's time that we develop much better standards for the sake of future generations."The subcommittee launched its investigation in November 2019 following reports alleging high levels of toxic heavy metals in baby foods. The subcommittee requested internal documents and test results from seven of the largest baby food manufacturers in the United States. Four of the companies - Nurture, Inc., Beech-Nut Nutrition Co., Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and Gerber Products Co. - provided the requested information.