Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has urged the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish guidelines for testing lead and heavy metals in baby food products. On June 26, Mayes co-signed a letter with the District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, along with 20 other state attorneys general, pressing the FDA to reconsider a petition for stricter oversight and testing of baby and toddler foods.
Mayes highlighted the serious health risks posed by lead and heavy metal exposure to children’s development, especially given parents’ reliance on these products. She cited recent recalls of baby food from major retailers like Target (Good & Gather Vegetable puree) and Wanabana (apple sauce) due to elevated lead levels as evidence of the urgent need for action. Mayes believes these recalls and potential lead poisonings could have been prevented if the FDA had previously issued guidance on finished product testing. She criticized the FDA’s delay in addressing the petition, stating it is “inexcusable” and that it’s “past time for the FDA to act.”
