Bill · H.R. 9949· House(119-HR-9949)
Safe Baby Formula Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/27/2026
- Last activity
- 7/27/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Tom Barrett
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Safe Baby Formula Act of 2026," directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to take action regarding heavy metals in infant formula. It requires a study on how arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead impact infant health to be completed within one year. Additionally, the Secretary must establish evidence-based action levels for these specific substances within 90 days. When setting these levels, the Secretary must consider compliance feasibility, enforcement capacity for imports, and domestic food security.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would children be better off under this?+7
The bill directly addresses the safety of infant nutrition by targeting toxic heavy metals in formula.
Would women be better off under this?+4
The bill addresses a critical component of infant care and maternal health concerns regarding nutrition safety.
Does this put more money into medical research?+4
The bill mandates a specific study on the health impacts of heavy metals in infant formula.
The opposite
Does this make child care cost less?-1
The bill notes that establishing heavy metal action levels must consider impacts on domestic food security, which could affect formula availability.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Health Research: The Secretary of Health and Human Services will complete a study on the impacts of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead in infant formula on infant health (Section 2). This provides a better understanding of how these substances affect babies.
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Regulated Safety Standards: The Secretary is required to establish evidence-based action levels for arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead in infant formula (Section 3(a)). This creates specific standards for these substances in products used by infants.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Food Security Concerns: The Secretary must consider the impact of establishing action levels on domestic food security (Section 3(b)(3)). This suggests that setting certain standards could potentially affect the availability or security of the food supply.
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Compliance and Enforcement Challenges: The Secretary must consider how feasible it is to comply with action levels and the department's capacity to enforce them for imported food (Section 3(b)(1) and Section 3(b)(2)). This implies there could be difficulties or burdens related to following or enforcing these new standards.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+7Good For Women+4Good For Low Income Households+2
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+4Improves Healthcare Access+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Childcare Affordability-1
- 7/27/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House