VermontH.5362025-2026 SessionHouse

An act relating to toxic heavy metals in baby food products

Sponsored By: Mary-Katherine A Stone (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Baby food test results for parents

Beginning January 1, 2027, manufacturers must post each covered metal's measured level, product identifiers, and federal health guidance online. Results must stay available for the product's shelf life plus one month, without requiring a product code or purchase receipt. Retailers and manufacturers selling online to Vermont consumers must clearly link to this information from the product page. Package labels must direct consumers to scan a code when testing covers a metal with a federal action level, limit, or tolerance. The QR code or other machine-readable code must link to test results and current federal health guidance.

Stronger baby food protections for families

Beginning January 1, 2027, Vermont bars sales and distribution of covered baby food above applicable federal heavy-metal limits. The metals are arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Covered foods are packaged and labeled in jars, pouches, tubs, or boxes for children younger than two; formula follows separately. Sellers may keep selling inventory stocked before January 1, 2027. Manufacturers must test a representative sample from each finished production batch at least monthly, including before packaging. Labs must meet ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation, FDA method-sensitivity standards, and independent proficiency scores within ±2. Manufacturers must give results to the Vermont Attorney General on request. Consumers can report suspected violations when product information gives them a reasonable basis. Violations carry existing consumer protection remedies for the Attorney General and private parties.

Formula safety rules include supply exceptions

Infant formula joins the safety rules only after the Vermont Attorney General gives written confirmation of comparable laws elsewhere. Comparable laws must be in effect in California or two other states. They must cover formula testing, bans above federal heavy-metal limits, labeling, and product information. The confirmation must appear on the General Assembly's website. Sellers may keep selling formula lawfully stocked in Vermont before the formula rules take effect. During a Vermont formula shortage, the Attorney General can suspend formula requirements after consulting the Commissioner of Health. The suspension lasts only for the shortage, with notice on the Attorney General's website. These exceptions protect access to formula but limit when the new safety protections apply.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mary-Katherine A Stone
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Angela Arsenault
Democratic • House
Edye Graning
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 28 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/5/2026

3rd reading ordered on roll call Passed -- Needed 14 of 28 to Pass -- Yeas = 28, Nays = 0