California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued an enforcement advisory to baby food manufacturers and sellers in California, reminding them of their obligations under Assembly Bill 899 (AB 899) to publicly disclose the presence of heavy metals in baby food products. The law requires companies to test samples for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury and publish these results on their websites.
Recent reports indicate that some companies may not be complying fully with the law. Instead of making all test results accessible, some require consumers to enter product-specific codes found on packaging. This practice can make it difficult for parents and caregivers to access safety information unless they have already purchased or physically inspected the product. Not meeting disclosure requirements limits families’ ability to protect children from health risks associated with heavy metal exposure and also means retailers cannot legally sell non-compliant products in California.
“As a dad of three, I understand that every parent wants their child to grow up safe and healthy. Parents should not have to question whether baby food is safe to eat, and that’s why California law requires companies to disclose the presence of heavy metals,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Heavy metals can be harmful to young children, and testing and disclosure practices represent a victory for public health that empowers consumers to protect their little ones. California has led the charge in reducing exposure to harmful toxins, and now I’m reminding companies that they are required to do their part, too.”
Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), who authored AB 899 in 2023, stated: “I wrote AB 899 in 2023 to protect babies by requiring the testing and reporting of heavy metals in baby food. Some manufacturers are making it difficult for consumers to see test results. I support the Attorney General’s clarifying letter reminding companies of their obligations under AB 899. I hope manufacturers will fulfill their responsibilities to consumers moving forward.”
Health experts have documented the negative effects of exposure to heavy metals like arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium—substances that can impair brain development and cause learning or behavioral issues among children. While some contamination occurs naturally through soil or pollution deposits from human activities, ingredients can absorb these elements during growth or processing. Manufacturers can reduce contamination by peeling produce thoroughly, sourcing lower-risk ingredients, or updating manufacturing processes.
Under AB 899—signed into law in October 2023—manufacturers must test each batch at least once per month for specific toxic elements if selling or distributing baby food in California after January 1, 2024. By January 1, 2025, results must be available online throughout each product’s shelf life plus one month; disclosures must identify both element levels and enough descriptive detail for consumers.
Selling or offering non-compliant baby food is prohibited under AB 899; violations may constitute unfair competition or breach other laws as well. Companies failing compliance risk enforcement actions from authorities.
Attorney General Bonta leads efforts at the California Attorney General’s office, which serves as chief law enforcement authority across the state and promotes transparency through initiatives such as data portals for public policy information (source). The office advances policies related to civil rights, consumer protection—including economic security—and environmental justice statewide (source).
In previous years, Bonta announced settlements with several seafood firms over failure to warn about elevated lead and cadmium levels under Proposition 65 rules; he has also called on federal agencies like the FDA for stricter controls regarding contaminants in foods marketed toward children.
The Attorney General’s office continues monitoring compliance with state laws affecting public health across California (source).
